The Hays County Sheriff’s Office released its second quarter community update for 2026, highlighting law enforcement activity, jail operations, training, emergency communications, and community outreach efforts between April 1 and June 30. Sheriff Anthony Hipolito said nearly 500 employees continue to serve the county as Hays County experiences continued growth and increased public safety demands. In the update, Hipolito thanked residents for their trust and support while emphasizing the agency’s stated mission of serving with integrity, accountability, and commitment to public safety and justice. The sheriff also credited deputies, corrections officers, dispatchers, investigators, civilian staff, and support personnel for maintaining operations across multiple divisions.

Law Enforcement Activity

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies and law enforcement personnel handled 19,220 calls for service during the second quarter of 2026. The agency also reported 1,589 animal control calls, 3,186 traffic stops, and 507 total arrests during that same period. Those arrests resulted in 617 criminal charges, including 273 felony charges and 344 misdemeanor charges. The sheriff’s office said those numbers represent more than statistics, pointing to the employees behind each call, stop, arrest, and investigation.

The update also highlighted work performed by several specialized units within the agency. The Crime Scene Unit responded to 27 crime scenes and processed nearly 400 pieces of evidence during the quarter. The SWAT Team responded to eight operational missions and continues to average nearly three deployments each month, according to the sheriff’s office. The agency said SWAT personnel also take part in community events and public demonstrations to help residents better understand the office’s specialized public safety capabilities.

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team completed 34 operational deployments during the quarter. According to the update, the drone team supported patrol operations, the Special Services Division, the Criminal Investigations Division, SWAT, and partner agencies throughout the region. The sheriff’s office said the drone program is also used during community events and educational displays across Hays County. Officials described the technology as another tool used to enhance public safety and support emergency response operations.

Jail Operations And Competency Restoration Program

The Corrections Bureau continued operating the Hays County Jail 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the second quarter. According to the sheriff’s office, the jail’s daily inmate population averaged in the mid-500s, reflecting the ongoing demand placed on corrections staff and jail operations. During the quarter, 1,689 individuals were booked into the Hays County Jail, while 1,726 individuals were released. The sheriff’s office said those numbers show the constant movement through the facility and the workload handled by corrections officers, booking staff, medical personnel, civilian employees, and other jail personnel.

The sheriff’s office also reported continued progress with its Jail Based Competency Restoration Program. According to the update, five inmates successfully graduated from the program during the second quarter. The program is designed to address mental health needs within the criminal justice system while improving outcomes for participants and supporting public safety. Sheriff Hipolito also recognized Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers, Hays County’s local mental health authority, for its role in the program and its partnership with the county.

Training And Readiness

The Training Division also reported significant activity during the second quarter of 2026. According to the sheriff’s office, the division graduated a Basic Corrections Officer Certification Class, preparing new corrections officers for assignments within the Corrections Bureau. The division also graduated a Mini Academy for newly hired deputies, providing agency-specific training before those deputies began their assignments. Sheriff’s officials said the training is intended to ensure personnel have the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to serve the public safely and professionally.

In addition to academy instruction, the Training Division conducted 63 training classes during the quarter. Those classes served 530 students and delivered 7,777 hours of instruction, according to the sheriff’s office. The agency said the courses helped improve professional development, operational readiness, and compliance with state training requirements. The division also coordinated annual firearms qualifications and a department-wide physical fitness assessment to ensure employees maintain the proficiency and readiness required for their duties.

Emergency Communications

The Hays County Sheriff’s Office also recognized its Emergency Communications Officers, describing them as the first point of contact during emergencies. According to the quarterly update, the Communications Center handled more than 30,500 calls for service across law enforcement, fire, and EMS during the second quarter. That included 19,220 law enforcement calls, 6,024 EMS calls, and 5,502 fire calls. The sheriff’s office said the numbers reflect the demanding role dispatchers play in coordinating emergency response throughout the county.

The agency said dispatchers are responsible for calming callers, gathering information, coordinating with first responders, and ensuring deputies, firefighters, and EMS personnel receive timely updates. Their work directly impacts the safety of both residents and emergency responders. Sheriff’s officials said their professionalism and ability to remain calm under pressure remain essential to public safety operations. The update described emergency communications personnel as an indispensable part of the county’s public safety system.

Community Outreach And Youth Programs

The sheriff’s office also highlighted several community outreach efforts during the second quarter. The agency hosted its first Teen Academy, welcoming high school students from across Hays County for a weeklong look inside the sheriff’s office. Participants learned from deputies, investigators, corrections officers, dispatchers, and specialized units while gaining insight into the responsibilities and career paths within the agency. The sheriff’s office also credited the School Resource Officer Division for helping make the program successful.

In June, the agency also held its West Side Junior Deputy Academy for children ages 9 to 12. During the three-day program, children participated in hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations led by deputies and corrections officers. The academy focused on teamwork, leadership, and building positive relationships between young people and law enforcement. The sheriff’s office said it plans to host an East Side Junior Deputy Academy in July to give more children the opportunity to learn about public safety and connect with agency personnel.

The Community Outreach Unit also expanded its public safety education efforts during the quarter. According to the sheriff’s office, several deputies assigned to Community Outreach became certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. That certification allows them to educate parents and caregivers on the proper installation and use of child safety seats. The agency said those efforts are part of its broader commitment to strengthening trust, transparency, and community partnerships across Hays County.

Looking Ahead

Sheriff Hipolito also used the update to recognize the many support units that help keep the agency operating behind the scenes. He specifically acknowledged employees in Records, Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Fleet, Facilities, Logistics, Warrants, the Office of Professional Standards, and other divisions. The sheriff said those employees provide the foundation that allows deputies, corrections officers, dispatchers, investigators, and civilian staff to serve the community safely and effectively. He said their professionalism and expertise are essential to the overall success of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office.

As Hays County continues to grow, the sheriff’s office said it expects public safety demands to continue increasing. Hipolito said the agency remains focused on recruiting and retaining employees, investing in training and technology, strengthening partnerships, and providing public safety services to residents and visitors. He also said the dedication of sheriff’s office employees is what makes the agency exceptional. The update closed with Hipolito thanking the community for its continued trust and support, calling it an honor and privilege to serve as sheriff.

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