Investigates gets first look at how, why HPD’s suspended code began

13 Investigates has obtained a letter addressed to Houston Police Department’s (HPD) second-in-command, revealing that the official was made aware of the controversial “suspended – lack of personnel” code months prior to Police Chief Troy Finner’s acknowledgment. The letter, dated July 28, 2021, was sent from a sergeant to then-Executive Chief Matt Slinkard, expressing concerns about the use of the code and its potential misinterpretation by the public.

According to the letter, the code was initially created in 2016 to address workforce shortages and estimate the number of cleared offenses needed to improve operational clearance rates. It aimed to identify cases with workable leads that couldn’t be assigned due to staffing shortages.

While Slinkard declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, he stated that he provided a statement voluntarily. However, sources indicate that Finner may not have seen the July 2021 letter.

Finner has previously stated that he became aware of the code in November 2021 and instructed staff to discontinue its use. Despite his directives, it was revealed in February that the code was still being employed.

HPD disclosed that over 260,000 incident reports were suspended due to staffing shortages, including numerous adult sex crime cases and reports taken for civil or insurance purposes.

Amid the ongoing Internal Affairs Division investigation, Houston Mayor John Whitmire established an independent panel to review HPD’s suspended cases, aiming to ensure transparency.

The obtained letter sheds light on the origin and purpose of the code, emphasizing the need for additional officers to address staffing challenges. Finner has consistently advocated for an increase in staffing, expressing optimism that the mayor could secure funding for this purpose in the upcoming budget cycle.