281-874-2131
Captain, Harris County Sheriff’s Office
We recently talked with Captain Sandi Chapa of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, East Region Patrol Bureau – District 2, about her career in law enforcement, her leadership experience, and how she’s contributing to a community-based approach to crime prevention in the District.
Saying she has extensive and wide-ranging law enforcement experience is an understatement. In her 20+ years of service, her roles have ranged from Detention Officer and Sheriff’s Deputy to Internal Affairs investigator, Sergeant in the Vice & Human Trafficking unit, Lieutenant in the Auto Theft Unit and Captain of the District 2 Patrol Division, protecting the North Houston District.
In an effort to highlight the talented and forward-thinking women creating positive change in our area, we are proud to present a new series: North Houston Leading Ladies. In each feature, we will spotlight a woman leader of a business or organization located within or in active partnership with the District.
Chapa’s career trajectory speaks for itself. Rising through the ranks, she was well-liked in each unit she joined and quickly built a strong rapport and track record of success wherever she went.
A Skilled Communicator
As Captain of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) District 2 Patrol Division, Chapa leads a task force of six deputies and one sergeant who patrol throughout the North Houston District. “We are in constant communication with the Houston Police Department and the North Houston District, sharing information and collaborating to achieve positive public safety outcomes,” Captain Chapa says.
As Captain of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) District 2 Patrol Division, Chapa leads a task force of six deputies and one sergeant who patrol throughout the North Houston District. “We are in constant communication with the Houston Police Department and the North Houston District, sharing information and collaborating to achieve positive public safety outcomes,” Captain Chapa says.
“Being a woman leader in law enforcement has challenges, but it also has advantages. Having good communication skills goes a long way,” Chapa explains.
By appealing to different people in different ways and balancing emotional intelligence with high expectations, she has managed to increase productivity and morale in each unit she has been a part of.
“I see my approach as an advantage, not a hindrance,” she says, adding, “I’m chatty, I talk to everyone. My door is always open and I’m always willing to listen. I can be a strong leader and still be personable.”
‘Turning Up the Volume’
Captain Chapa takes pride in rising to the occasion and describes her leadership style as confident and compassionate. “Throughout my career I’ve displayed a strong work ethic, and worked to build a good reputation as a person and as a professional. Everything that I’ve gotten I’ve earned, and in each unit I’ve been in we turned up the volume,” she reflects. While training, talent, and drive are undoubtedly factors in the equation to her success, those who’ve worked alongside her know that Chapa’s hallmark interpersonal skills might be the secret sauce. Her advice to her younger self is simply: “If you want to be taken seriously and respected, work hard and earn it. Don’t expect anything to be given to you.” Chapa has passed on that grit and determination to her son, a baseball player—lefty pitcher and outfielder. “Baseball is life!” she says, recounting cheering him on from the stands.
Committed to a Collaborative Vision
By design, public safety in the North Houston District is a collaborative effort from law enforcement and the District. Captain Chapa says the layered, multi-pronged approach improves quality of life for residents and on-the-job safety for local businesses because joint crime prevention efforts make it less likely that crime will occur, and creates more efficient response mechanisms when crimes do occur. She emphasizes that the coordinated approach to making our area more safe and secure not only includes policing efforts, but also interfacing with the community and engaging with local businesses and stakeholders. Outreach and information campaigns help to connect the community with important resources and help residents and business owners to build trust with local law enforcement on a personal level.
Captain Chapa with members of her team and North Houston District staff at National Night Out hosted by The Harvest in 2024.
The HCSO has nearly 5,100 employees and 200 volunteer reservists dedicated to ensuring the safety of more than 4.1 million residents who call Harris County home.
Captain Chapa stands with members of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at the North Houston District’s 2024 Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon.
Team work makes the dream work
Captain Chapa says she draws inspiration from “the one and only Tracy Harrison,” the North Houston District’s VP of Public Safety, and another of our accomplished Leading Ladies. The mastermind behind the District’s public safety framework, Harrison has created a coalition of committed parties working together towards common safety and security goals. “I aspire to be like her, she’s such a pleasure to work with! I have a great rapport with Tracy, and she has made it easy to have that relationship with open lines of communication. I respect her so much,” Chapa says.
Connect with Captain Chapa on X to follow the progress of Harris County Sheriff’s Office, East Region Patrol Bureau – District 2.
