The Harris County Sheriff's Office HOT SPOT Unit originated in 1991 in an effort to confront high crime areas in the unincorporated areas of Harris County.

It is the Uniformed Street Level Narcotics Unit of the Sheriff's office which is it's primary function. This includes patrolling high drug traffic areas and targeting drug offenders in all areas of Harris County, though primarily in the unincorporated areas.

Duties range from issuing traffic citations to obtaining and serving search and arrest warrants. This unit has been highly effective and has achieved this standard primarily through tips obtained from the citizens of Harris County.

HOT SPOT is also used by the Sheriff whenever special circumstances or events arise and the need for a number of units which would not take away from the services rendered to the general public by the Districts within the County. (i.e. security for the special Olympics, county parks with high crime, specific areas of the county requiring special attention.)

HOT SPOT has recently been made part of Harris County's C.I.R.U. (CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE UNIT) and would be activated as such in the event of a natural disaster ( i.e. hurricane) or other public safety issue (i.e. terrorist act).

HOT SPOT has had a history of being effective and quick to respond in all types of situations and will continue to maintain these standards.