Sharon Jones
Major, Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Department of Public Safety
2023
Sharon has worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety since 1997, and since her promotion to Sergeant in 2002, has promoted through the ranks to her current position as a Major, in the Criminal Investigations Division. In her capacity, Sharon manages multiple programs, one of which is the Texas Behavioral Threat Assessment Intervention and Prevention Program. As the Statewide Program Manager, Sharon has been instrumental in forging collaboration between the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, other state, federal, and local agencies, mental health professionals, and community impact organizations. This innovative program focuses on the intervention and prevention of targeted incidents, underscoring Sharon’s commitment to proactive approaches to public safety.
Her dedication to the intervention and prevention of targeted incidents is exemplified by her appointment to the Texas State Crisis Intervention Program committee. This program allocates federal funding for the intervention, prevention, and reduction of crime and violence in Texas.
Sharon was appointed twice by the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, to serve on the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women. Currently, Sharon represents the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety as an ex officio member on the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority board, where she serves on the Grant Committee.
Under Sharon’s guidance, special investigators under her command received frequent recognition for their exceptional investigative performances in cases involving transnational gangs, drug trafficking/cartel organizations, human trafficking, crimes against children, threats to life, fraud, and other crimes against persons.
A significant highlight in Sharon’s career was her selection to oversee the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) Watch operations section. This prestigious appointment led her to a senior executive leadership position within EPIC. During her tenure, Sharon played a pivotal role in formulating policies, guidelines, and procedures related to criminal interdiction and intelligence gathering. Her expertise was often sought-after, and she conducted classified briefings to executive leaders of law enforcement agencies, congressional delegates, international dignitaries, military command staff, and fellow law enforcement professionals.
Sharon’s quest for knowledge and continuous professional development is evident in her educational background. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management in December 1990, followed by a master’s degree in Public Administration in January 1992. Notably, she is a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, and the FBI Leadership Executive Education Development Association. As a testament to her commitment to the law enforcement community, Sharon is a member of various associations, including the Texas FBI National Academy Association, the Texas Association of Vehicle Theft Investigators, the Texas Narcotics Officers Association, the Texas Gang Investigators Association, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sharon finds joy in her personal life where she travels with her husband, Chris, who is also a Major within the Texas Department of Public Safety, and is assigned to the Texas Highway Patrol Division. Additionally, Sharon actively contributes to her community as the treasurer of her homeowner’s association.
The inaugural Eradicate Hate Summit was a truly impressive gathering of leaders dedicated to finding lasting and effective solutions to violent extremism. I was particularly moved by the prominence given to survivors and family members of victims of hate and violence throughout the event. Their stories and those of so many others must be at the center of what we do and why we do it.
