The Harris County Sheriff's office is the largest sheriff's office in Texas and the third largest in the nation, according to the county website, with more than 5,000 employees.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
For more information about voting in Harris County, visit www.harrisvotes.com. For more election coverage from Community Impact, go to communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Glenn Cowan
Experience:
15-year Houston Police Department veteran; police supervisor; former jail supervisor; hostage negotiator
Occupation:
Police supervisor
Candidate Website:
https://www.glenncowanforsheriff.com
Contact Information:
832-377-6235
Why did you choose to run in this election?
I was born in Baytown and raised in Crosby, so Harris County is my home. I was sick of the escalating crime and the needless loss of innocent lives. Historically, our community has enjoyed lower crime. Now, we have some of the highest crime areas in the nation.
What would be your top priorities, if elected?
Defeat violent crime with modern effective policing. Additionally, the jail is in crisis. As a former jail supervisor, I can get the job done. We also have to get more correction officers and deputies on the streets, and I’ll skyrocket morale to attract applicants.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing Harris County residents?
In a study by Mark Jones with Rice University, residents are concerned more about crime than anything else—by a substantial margin. Their concern is justified—Harris County has some of the highest crime areas in the nation despite slight reductions in crime touted by area leaders.
If elected, how will you handle Harris County jails and taxpayer dollars when it comes to the conditions of inmates and the safety of officers?
The reason we have a jail crisis is judges who refuse to work their dockets, which increases the jail population. In addition to filing ethics complaints against incompetent judges, I’ll work with the state to garner additional funding as well as any federal monies that may be available.
If elected, what steps would you take to ensure police brutality is not an issue in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office?
First, standards shouldn’t be lowered in the hiring process. Secondly, appropriate training needs to be implemented throughout officers’ careers. Third, we need to take care of officers to get them time off to decompress and maintain healthy lives, but we’ll need more people first, and I’ll make it happen.
Joe Danna
Experience:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.
Occupation:
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.
Why did you choose to run in this election?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.
What would be your top priorities, if elected?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing Harris County residents?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.
If elected, how will you handle Harris County jails and taxpayer dollars when it comes to the conditions of inmates and the safety of officers?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.
If elected, what steps would you take to ensure police brutality is not an issue in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office?
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.
Paul Day
Experience:
Niagara Falls Police Department, three years; HPD, 32 years; Harris County patrol deputy, 11 years
Occupation:
Retired law enforcement officer
Candidate Website:
https://www.pauldayforsheriff2024.com
Contact Information:
888.728.5329
Why did you choose to run in this election?
To enhance public safety and apply my extensive law enforcement experience for Harris County's diverse communities
What would be your top priorities, if elected?
Strengthening community policing, enhancing transparency and implementing innovative crime prevention strategies
What do you think are the biggest issues facing Harris County residents?
Rising crime rates, need for improved public safety and ensuring community trust in law enforcement
If elected, how will you handle Harris County jails and taxpayer dollars when it comes to the conditions of inmates and the safety of officers?
Ensure humane inmate treatment, optimal jail conditions, officer safety and fiscal responsibility
If elected, what steps would you take to ensure police brutality is not an issue in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office?
Implement strict policies against brutality, enhance officer training and establish robust oversight mechanisms
Mike Knox
Experience:
Retired Texas peace officer; former small-business owner; former Houston City Council member; author/expert
Occupation:
Retired consultant
Why did you choose to run in this election?
Law Enforcement has always been a passion. I see what is going on in Harris County and believe I can do a better job. The sheriff should be an advocate for the people of Harris County. I will be advocating for public safety to be priority No. 1 in Harris County.
What would be your top priorities, if elected?
My top priority will be to make the Harris County Jail safe for inmates and employees, and regain state-certified status. Overworked and understaffed jailers and deputies creates many internal moral issues which causes unusually high turnover. We will get relief from Commissioners Court during my administration.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing Harris County residents?
Crime is the biggest issue facing Harris County residents. Murder mischief and mayhem abound in Harris County. Fentanyl, human trafficking and smuggling are on the rise. We need a sheriff who can focus attention on our judiciary, releasing repeat offenders. A sheriff who believes criminals should be in prison.
If elected, how will you handle Harris County jails and taxpayer dollars when it comes to the conditions of inmates and the safety of officers?
There will be no unsupervised movement within the jail. Protocols will be followed to ensure inmates receive their required medication. Jailers will not be placed in situations where they are overwhelmed. Taxpayer dollars—I intend to audit the entire department and expect to find 10% or more in savings.
If elected, what steps would you take to ensure police brutality is not an issue in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office?
The sheriff sets the standards of conduct. My standards are extremely high. Brutality will not be tolerated under my administration from jailers or deputies.
