HOUSTON -- For the first time in weeks, Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas spoke to KPRC Local 2 about a number of controversial issues facing his department.

Thomas defended himself, his deputies and the county jails, which are being inspected this week by the U.S. Department of Justice.

"I think our jail facilities are one of the best run in the state of Texas, and I think that's the fact that the jail commission has given us a clean bill of health in the last two years. We've passed with glowing remarks and I think that says a lot. We run a clean, efficient jail," said Thomas.

Citing ongoing investigations or pending lawsuits, the sheriff said he could not comment about recent challenges facing his department.

Earlier this year, Harris County commissioners voted to pay $1.7 million to settle a civil rights lawsuit filed by Houston brothers Sean and Erik Ibarra. They claimed they were illegally arrested for taking pictures during a drug raid at their neighbor's home.

"I'm not going to talk about the Ibarra case," the sheriff told reporter Mary Benton. "You know I'm not perfect, and I don't pretend to be perfect, but I have the best interest of Harris County and this department."

But, with all of the recent controversy surrounding the department, some community activists are calling for the sheriff's resignation. They say the community has lost confidence in his leadership.

"I think this has come from a very small segment of the community making these allegations, people that I've had problems with in the past. I am out in the community dealing with people every day, and I hear positive remarks about what a great job the sheriff's office is doing. I realize this is a political season and I'll deal with that," said Thomas.

Thomas has been sheriff of Harris County since 1995. In November, he faces a Democratic opponent, former police officer and current Houston city councilman, Adrian Garcia.