Houston’s police department is facing a firestorm of criticism after revelations of a massive backlog of suspended cases, including thousands of sexual assault investigations. Police Chief Troy Finner is at the center of the controversy, tasked with addressing the issue and regaining public trust.
Thousands of Cases Left Hanging
The scandal broke in February 2024, when it was discovered that a staggering number of criminal cases, categorized with the code “SL” (suspended- lack of personnel), had been put on hold within the Houston Police Department (HPD). These included not only property crimes but also sensitive investigations like sexual assaults.
The exact number is still under investigation, but Police Chief Troy Finner said that his department would be reviewing more than 4,000 adult sexual assault cases that officers labeled as “suspended – lack of personnel” dating back to 2016, when Houston police began using this classification system on reports. This raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the HPD and the impact on victims who never saw their cases pursued.
Focus on Victims and Accountability
Community activists, like the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice, are urging city officials to prioritize support for victims caught in this backlog. They are calling for a transparent investigation to determine how widespread the problem is and who is accountable.
Police Chief Finner Under Scrutiny
Chief Finner has apologized for the department’s failings and pledged to address the backlog. However, his explanations regarding understaffing within the HPD haven’t quelled all the criticism.
Questions remain about whether the case backlog reflects deeper systemic issues within the department and what steps are being taken to prevent similar situations in the future.
Uncertain Path Forward
The investigation into the suspended cases is ongoing. Chief Finner faces a tough road ahead, needing to regain public trust while simultaneously addressing a significant backlog of investigations.
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