Detention Bureau Commander
Major James Hines is the Commander of the Detention Bureau and is subordinate to the Sheriff and Chief Deputy only. In this capacity Major Hines’s duties include the coordination and supervision of three captains who manage the following Divisions. The Director of Detention Division Operations, The Court Security / Records Division and the Night Detention Commander.
Prior to his appointment by Sheriff Nehls, Hines retired from the Sugar Land Police Department, where he served the City of Sugar Land for over two decades. During his career at S.L.P.D., he worked as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Detective, Sergeant and Lieutenant; predominately operating in the Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions. Some of his other assignments included: Watch Commander, Field Training Coordinator, Special Response Team (Riot control) – Commander, Crisis Negotiations and Critical Incident Stress Management. His previous experience at the Sheriff’s Office within the Enforcement Bureau was comprised of managing Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Traffic, Warrants, K-9, Air Support, SWAT and the Crime Scene Unit.
Major Hines is a licensed Instructor and holds a Master Peace Officer Certification through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement and Police Science from Sam Houston State University and his law enforcement training and experience, spans over 25 years of dedicated service. His current Bureau includes jail administration, a 1766 bed detention facility for inmate housing that contains a medical section, food service kitchen, inmate transportation and a grievance and disciplinary board, as well as prisoner booking and releasing.
Major Hines' civic contributions include serving as a board member on his neighborhood homeowners association, the Board of Director’s for the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department and the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District #118. Hines resides in the Richmond area with his wife and their canine companions. During his time away from work, he enjoys camping, boating and working in the yard.