On November 3, 2020, the citizens of Fort Bend County elected Eric Fagan to be their 45th Sheriff. After he took office in January 2021, Sheriff Fagan assembled an award-winning Command Staff that brings over 100 years of collective and honorable experience to Fort Bend County, one whose policies and procedures espouse equity and inclusion and reflect the tapestry of America’s most diverse County. He either launched or re-instated relevant programs that speak to Fort Bend County’s most dire needs, including school safety, mental health, Crime Reduction and Gang Units. For example, his 2021 team of specialized patrol deputies who run the Crime Reduction Unit has led to increased presence in the County’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. Because mental health crises can occur at any moment around the clock, Sheriff Fagan added a third shift to the Crisis Intervention Team. He re-instated the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) to address the emotional and physical needs of the County’s first responders (and their family members). In addition, he established the Gang Unit to investigate and address the effect of criminal street gangs and document information and intelligence of significance related to the types of offenses they commit, their geographic area of operation, and their signs, symbols, and attire. This was necessary to address a void in an effective analysis of gang crime.

                                       
He has demonstrated “Proven Leadership” during his first term as evidenced by his impressive list of accomplishments. He fulfilled all his campaign promises and identified and addressed notable areas of weakness. For example, he expanded his grant-writing team with additional grant writers who led the Office to new milestones. The Sheriff’s Office reached funding pinnacles upwards of $5 million, the highest ever in the office, to purchase much-needed safety equipment and support pioneering programs, such as the Crises Communications Pilot Project, which embeds licensed mental health providers into the 911 Dispatch/Communications center. He also established and improved programs, including the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council (JJAC), the Police Reform Transition Team, the Citizen Review Panel, and the Human Trafficking Task Force.

Sheriff Fagan earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, where he graduated first in his class. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Juvenile Forensic Psychology, earning both degrees from Prairie View A&M University. During his 31-year career with the Houston Police Department, Sheriff wore many hats. In 2014, he and Captain Kevin Hunt started “Jokes and Justice” a comedy showcase for a cause. Since its inception, Jokes and Justice, designed to bring law enforcement and the community together to share a laugh, has awarded $136,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors. He won the prestigious Officer of the Year Award three times for stellar accomplishments, including capturing a capital murder suspect, helping families in crisis, and —his brightest moment— saving the life of a 6-month-old baby girl. He served as President of the Afro American Police Officer’s League. He was named President Emeritus because of his leadership and ability to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the citizens they serve. 
 

He and his wife, Jacqueline, have one daughter, Dr. Fallon Fagan, and honor the memory of their son, Patrick, who transitioned to his heavenly home in 2013.

Adept at establishing mutual trust, listening to everyone’s concerns, and helping others find common ground, Sheriff Fagan says, “The Sheriff’s office should stand for justice. My beliefs, education, and work experience taught me justice must be blind. Race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or political party affiliation should not factor into a sheriff’s decisions or actions. I am here to serve and protect all residents of Fort Bend County.”