Detailed accounting
Over the years, Houston Police Department (HPD) leaders had multiple opportunities to address the use of an internal case code that raised serious concerns within the agency. The code, known as “suspended-lack of staff,” was used extensively in cases related to sex crimes, indicating a lack of resources to investigate these sensitive matters.
In 2016, internal auditors uncovered that one-third of sex crime cases were labeled with the “suspended-lack of staff” code in the first six months of the year. This raised alarm bells within the department about the handling of such crucial cases.
The following year, the Special Victims Unit captain discovered a backlog of 1,600 unassigned child sexual assault cases, further highlighting the strain on resources and investigative capacity.
By 2018, then-executive assistant chief Troy Finner flagged a routine case for suspension, acknowledging the flaws in the system, but unfortunately, no substantial action was taken to rectify the situation.
New policy, more police?
Despite numerous opportunities to address the issues surrounding the case code, HPD officials failed to intervene effectively, leading to a system-wide failure. The lack of proper guidance on the use of the code, coupled with leadership changes and a cumbersome case management system, contributed to the widespread misuse of the code.
As part of efforts to improve operations, HPD has outlined 15 steps to enhance its processes, with a focus on the Special Victims Unit. These steps include developing a standardized framework for case classification, implementing clear communication protocols, and aligning case management procedures with Texas criminal law.
Furthermore, Acting Chief Larry Satterwhite emphasized the need for increased funding to conduct thorough investigations and prioritize violent crimes over lower-level offenses. Council members have proposed raising the city’s property tax revenue cap and implementing a trash fee to bolster public safety services.
While HPD works towards reform and accountability, the Independent Review Commission continues to investigate the department’s practices. The ultimate goal is to ensure that similar failures do not recur in the future.
As the city and HPD navigate these challenges, transparent communication, decisive actions, and continuous oversight will be crucial in rebuilding trust and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Houston residents.
