Unity Ride to Address Police Mental Health Scheduled for September 24

TOMBALL, Texas, Aug. 29, 2023 – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has announced a Unity Ride slated for September 24, 2023, to raise public awareness about the rising issue of police suicides. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez will participate in the event, which will also raise funds for CopLine, a 24/7 anonymous hotline dedicated to offering peer support for law enforcement officers.

The ride will commence and conclude at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Northwest Substation/District 5, located at 23828 Tomball Pkwy, Tomball, TX 77377. The event is designed to be inclusive of riders at various skill levels, maintaining an average speed of 12-14 MPH. Rest stops along the route will provide hydration and snacks, and all registration proceeds will go directly to CopLine.

Safety measures and specific rules have been set for the Unity Ride, including mandatory helmets and a two-by-two riding formation. The event restricts the use of fixed gear, recumbent, and electronic bikes and lays out protocols for medical or mechanical issues that may arise during the ride.

Registration is currently open, and by completing the process, participants agree to adhere to the event’s rules without exception. The ride aims to not only raise funds for CopLine’s essential services but also to combat the stigma often associated with mental health issues in law enforcement.

For further details or to register, interested individuals can visit www.CopLine.org.