• Open access to all information available under the Texas Public Information Act.
   
• Provide access to the department's operations where such access does not affect the security of the facility or the privacy of inmates and employees.

Requests for Inmate Booking Photos:

• Requests must be made in writing (fax is acceptable) between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
   
• If the inmate is still in custody, or if charges are pending adjudication, the arresting agency must approve release of the booking photo.
   
• Booking photos for prior charges for which the defendant is no longer in custody, and that did not result in a criminal conviction, may not be released.
   

• On camera interviews, if permitted, will be done within the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
   
• Requests for interviews must be made in writing. These requests can be made directly to the Public Information Officer, who is located at the Harris County Sheriff's Office Headquarters, 1200 Baker Street.  

The request must be accompanied by a signed letter, on letterhead stationary, from the defendant's attorney of record (faxed letters are acceptable, but the fax must be from the attorney's office) in the criminal proceedings, reflecting the attorney's approval of the interview request. The letter must also state that the judge having jurisdiction over the criminal proceeding has been informed, and that the judge has approved of the interview.

• Any media representative who conducts an interview within the boundaries of the institution waives their personal right to be free from search of his/her person or property so long as he/she remains within the boundaries of the institution grounds.
   
• A release signed by the inmate from whom the interview is requested must be obtained prior to the dissemination of any photos, recordings or any personal information derived from the interview forms are on file with the Harris County Sheriff's Office).
   
• If the above criteria is met and the inmate wishes to be interviewed, the facility staff will accommodate the media by arranging a safe, secure area for the interview to be conducted away from the general inmate population.
   
• Only one interview will be arranged and granted. If the inmate returns to custody for a proceeding related to the original charge or charges (bond forfeiture, bench warrant) subsequent interview requests will be denied.
   
• Every member of the news crew must have media credentials, identifying them and their employer, before they will be allowed to enter the interview room.
   
• A deputy sheriff must be in the interview room with the inmate at all times. The deputy may intervene or halt the interview if the inmate or reporter fails to follow the stated guidelines.