The Houston Police Department suspended over 260,000 criminal cases in the past eight years due to a “lack of personnel” code, with about 100,000 of them being property crimes.
Police are now reviewing sexual assault cases and moving personnel to address incidents involving crimes against individuals.
“Am I proud about this? No, I’m angry, okay, because I know we are better, and we are going to make it right, and we will make it right,” Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said.
Mayor Whitmire's official statement on HPD's investigation of backlogged cases. pic.twitter.com/LetLf9lKL3
— Houston Mayor's Office (@houmayor) February 27, 2024
Despite orders to stop using the code, it was still in use department-wide.
Houston Mayor expressed concern and instructed the Chief to prioritize reviewing the backlogged cases.
“I am very concerned. It is unacceptable, and I have instructed Chief Finner to be transparent and continue his review as a top priority,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said. “Public safety continues to be my highest priority.”
The Chief plans to hold a news briefing on the matter later in the week.
