239 – Garnishment of Wages
I. Purpose
This policy describes the legal obligation of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) to comply with a court-ordered garnishment of wages.
II. Policy
Employees are encouraged to meet their financial obligations in a manner that will not involve the HCSO. An employee’s failure to meet financial obligations may result in a court-ordered garnishment of their wages, in which case, the HCSO would be obligated to comply.
Employees may not use their position with the HCSO to avoid the payment of any debt, liability, claim, or judgment lawfully held against them.
III. Procedure
The Texas Constitution under Garnishment of Wages, provides the following,
No current wages for personal service shall ever be subject to garnishment, except for the enforcement of court-ordered:
- Child support payments; or
- Spousal maintenance. Tex. Const. Art. XVI, § 28.
Revisions
This policy has been revised on the below listed dates:
April 21, 2009
September 1, 2021
April 15, 2025 (Technical Changes)