Sheriff’s Office Launches Virtual Deputy Program

By George Slaughter The public has a new option for submitting criminal mischief, lost property, or theft reports, thanks to a new program launched by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The new Virtual Deputy program enables anyone with a webcam or a camera-equipped cell phone can submit a report directly to a deputy using video conferencing. The same restrictions for online reporting apply. A citizen can connect to a Virtual Deputy from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. “The past year has taught us that many routine matters can be handled via video conference, rather than a face-to-face meeting,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a news release. “The Virtual Deputy program simplifies a process that can be time-consuming and frustrating. Our goal is to make the process easier for our residents and more efficient for our deputies.” To start the process, log onto https://www.harriscountyso.org/ReportCrime/Online_Reporting.aspx, scroll down to Virtual Deputy, and begin entering the information.