TCSO MISSION STATMENT
The mission of the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office is to protect lives and property, prevent crime, and promote public safety by building strong community partnerships and trust. We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards, honoring the dignity of every individual, and safeguarding the rights of all members of our community.
TARRANT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
DEPARTMENT RESOURCES
DEPARTMENT DIVISIONS
LOCATIONS
9101 Maple Street
Fort Worth, TX 901
Tarrant County Correctional Center
5021 Colonial Drive
Tarrant County, TX 502
3051 Independence Parkway
Fort Worth, TX 305
1123 Oak Valley Drive Tarrant County, TX 1201
2121Main Street Fort Worth, TX 212
SHERIFF, FRANCIS JOURDAN
Francis Jourdan was born in the early 1800s and became one of the earliest settlers in North Texas during a time when the region was still considered dangerous frontier territory. Little is known about his early life, but records show that he established himself near Johnson Station, in what is now Arlington, Texas. Jourdan worked as a farmer and rancher while earning a reputation as a dependable and respected member of the growing community. During these early years, he employed a young John B. York, who would later become one of the most recognized sheriffs in Tarrant County history.
As settlers continued moving into North Texas, conflicts between outlaws, frontier gangs, and Native American raids created constant challenges for local communities. Jourdan became heavily involved in maintaining order around the settlements near Birdville and Fort Worth. Known for his calm leadership and strong sense of responsibility, he often assisted neighboring settlers with disputes, protection of livestock, and the recovery of stolen property. His reputation for fairness and toughness quickly spread across the county.
On August 14, 1850, the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office was officially established while Birdville served as the county seat. Francis Jourdan was elected as the first Sheriff of Tarrant County and became responsible for enforcing the law across the sparsely populated frontier. At the time, the sheriff’s office had very limited resources, and Jourdan often traveled long distances on horseback to serve warrants, transport prisoners, and respond to criminal activity. Despite the harsh conditions of frontier Texas, he helped establish the foundation of organized law enforcement in the region.
During his time as sheriff, Jourdan became known for his dedication to protecting settlers and maintaining stability in the rapidly growing county. His leadership helped shape the early reputation of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office during a period when law enforcement officers regularly faced dangerous conditions and unpredictable violence. Though records from the era remain limited, Francis Jourdan is remembered as a respected frontier lawman whose service helped lay the groundwork for modern policing in Tarrant County.
OUR HISTORY
The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office can trace its proud roots back to August 14, 1850, when Francis Jourdan became the first Sheriff of Tarrant County. As one of the earliest lawmen in North Texas, Jourdan helped maintain order across the rugged frontier during a time when Fort Worth was still a small settlement surrounding a former Army outpost. Known for his dedication and steady leadership, Jourdan worked to protect settlers, serve warrants, and uphold the law throughout the growing county, earning the respect of the local community and securing his place in Tarrant County history.
In the early days, the department consisted of only a small group of frontier deputies traveling on horseback across vast stretches of unsettled land. Sheriffs and deputies faced difficult conditions while pursuing outlaws, transporting prisoners, and protecting citizens throughout the region. By the early 1900s, the department modernized alongside the rapid growth of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, eventually transitioning from horseback patrols to motorized vehicles and advanced law enforcement operations. From its frontier beginnings to becoming one of the largest sheriff’s offices in Texas, the legacy of service, courage, and commitment established by Sheriff Francis Jourdan continues to guide the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office today.
HIGH COMMAND
SUPERVISORS
PATROL
(APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN)
