Police officers’ union asking Chief Finner to recuse himself from HPD suspended cases investigation

Following the appointment of an independent panel to review the Houston Police Department’s handling of over 261,000 cases suspended due to staffing shortages, Chief Troy Finner is facing calls to recuse himself from the investigation.

The Houston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU) sent a letter to Finner and Mayor John Whitmire, urging Finner’s removal from any involvement in the investigation due to concerns about potential conflicts of interest within HPD leadership. HPOU President Doug Griffith emphasized the importance of public trust in the investigation’s outcome and asserted that Finner’s continued involvement could compromise its integrity.

The union suggested that the investigation should be conducted by an external entity, such as the attorney general’s office, to ensure impartiality and prioritize HPD’s focus on addressing the overlooked cases. However, Whitmire and Finner have yet to respond to the union’s request.

Meanwhile, Finner has acknowledged the use of the “SL” code by officers since 2016 and claimed to have addressed the issue in November 2021. However, concerns have been raised about the continued use of the code despite Finner’s directive.

Whitmire has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing the situation, pledging to personally report the panel’s findings to the public. The panel comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, including former councilwoman Ellen Cohen, Texas Ranger Jeff Owles, city attorney Arturo Michel, deputy inspector general Christina Nowak, and Reverend Leon Preston.

Despite Finner’s efforts to address the issue, the police union believes that his involvement and statements should be thoroughly investigated, questioning the accuracy of the information provided by him and raising concerns about the department’s accountability.

In their letter, the union expressed respect for Finner’s service but emphasized the need for a fair and impartial investigation to prevent similar issues from recurring in the future. They underscored the importance of holding accountable those in leadership positions who may have been unaware of or responsible for the situation.