New HPD police chief inherits same old staffing problem

In Houston, Texas, Larry Satterwhite, the newly appointed acting police chief, admitted he’s still catching up on the internal probe concerning a code allowing the suspension of hundreds of thousands of cases. Despite this, he’s already contemplating strategies based on his operational background.

Satterwhite steps in for former Chief Troy Finner, who departed the department recently. Mayor John Whitmire acknowledged the difficulty of Finner’s retirement, attributing it to growing concerns among officers.

Whitmire cited new revelations, including a 2018 email highlighting a specific case suspended due to personnel shortage, as a tipping point. Finner’s response to the email expressed dissatisfaction but didn’t directly address the code issue.

Finner, in his statement upon retirement, reflected on the challenges and rewards of his 34-year career, emphasizing the improvements made during his tenure.

As Satterwhite assumes his new role, he grapples with when he first learned of the internal code. He admits the challenge of addressing violent crimes in light of staffing constraints but brings ideas from his operational background.

The contentious code is no longer in use, but staffing concerns persist, with HPD currently at 5,164 officers. Satterwhite echoes Finner’s call for 2,000 more officers, emphasizing the benefits for public safety.

Mayor Whitmire emphasizes the need to focus on recruiting, retaining officers, and restoring morale within HPD. Plans for five cadet classes with a minimum of 75 recruits each aim to address these concerns.

Whitmire hopes for a return to core policing functions, highlighting the need to move past recent distractions and prioritize crime fighting.

HPD urges victims with updated contact information to reach out, signaling ongoing efforts to address past case suspensions.