HOUSTON – Pct. 4 Constable Ron Hickman has been sworn in as the new Harris County Sheriff.
Hickman is replacing Adrian Garcia who last week announced he is running for Mayor of Houston.
The new sheriff was sworn in by Harris County Judge Ed Emmett last Tuesday morning, May 12th.
Hickman began his law enforcement career in 1971 with the Houston Police Department where he was a cadet. And in 1983 he moved to the Pct. 4 Constables Office.
Hickman was one of several candidates’ on a list to replace Adrian Garcia. Judge Ed Emmett endorsed Hickman, saying “I’ve known Constable Hickman for a long time, and worked with him. He’s one of these people who looks ahead. He’s savvy when it comes to technology and new approaches.” Hickman may be asked to agree to a separation of the jail function from the Sheriff’s office, which some of the Commissioners favor. However, it must be aligned with state law, which currently does not provide for this separation.
One of the first things he plans to do is an audit, he said. Some of his priorities during his term are protection for the community and care of detainees in the Harris County Jail.
Hickman also mentioned he plans to run for sheriff in 2016.