Commander Jonathon Halliday, a dedicated veteran of the Houston Police Department, brings over 22 years of experience to his role overseeing the Southeast Division, which includes the Hobby Area District. Halliday’s career journey reflects his commitment to public safety, community service, and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Halliday’s inspiration for joining law enforcement began in his teenage years. Growing up in Houston after moving from Ohio as a young child, he was intrigued by the officers he observed in his neighborhood. “I always thought it was an interesting job,” Halliday recalls. “The officers I saw seemed to enjoy their work and found it very rewarding. After college, I decided to give it a try, and once I started, I enjoyed it and stayed, making it my career,” said Halliday.
Since joining the Houston Police Department in 2002, Halliday has held numerous roles that have shaped his approach to leadership. “I’ve spent most of my career in patrol, where I’ve worked as an officer, sergeant, and lieutenant,” he explains. “I also had a year-long stint in the city jail as an officer and another six months there as a lieutenant before moving into command positions.” Before his current role, Halliday served as commander for the Southwest Division, the Major Assault and Family Violence Division, and the Command Center Division.
When Halliday took on his role with the Southeast Division in July 2024, he was immediately struck by the energy and dedication of his team. “This is a very busy area for our department,” he shares. “But it’s also a great station with great officers and a community that truly supports us.” Since stepping into his role, he has focused on improving response times and addressing quality-of-life issues that matter most to residents and businesses.
Recognizing the importance of partnerships, Halliday acknowledges the Hobby Area Management District’s vital role in supporting public safety initiatives. “They’ve provided funds for overtime in the past, allowing us to dedicate more units specifically to the district. That made a big difference” he explained. He is optimistic about continuing this collaboration in the coming year to enhance safety and service in the area.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Halliday’s dedication to his role stems from the rewarding nature of the job. “Being able to make a positive change in some people’s lives is the most rewarding part of being an officer,” he shares. While law enforcement comes with challenges, such as responding to high-stress situations and balancing a demanding schedule, Halliday finds fulfillment in helping others and contributing to the community’s well-being. “We see all aspects of society—some good, some difficult—but when we can help someone, it makes it all worth it.”
When he’s not in uniform, Halliday values time spent with family, reading, and exploring new technologies. His commitment to personal growth mirrors his professional ethos of continuous improvement. Looking ahead, Commander Halliday is eager to build on the progress already made in the Southeast Division. His goals include improving response times, addressing ongoing safety concerns, and fostering stronger ties with the community.
Commander Halliday’s journey in law enforcement is a testament to his dedication to public service and his vision for a safer, more connected community. As he leads the Southeast Division, his experience, leadership, and genuine commitment to making a positive impact are sure to benefit the residents and businesses of the area. “At the end of the day, it’s about serving the community and doing what we can to improve lives,” Halliday concludes. “That’s what this job is all about.”
