The unexpected retirement of Houston’s police chief, Troy Finner, has stirred controversy over the suspension of more than 260,000 investigations, including cases of sexual abuse, prompting questions about departmental policies.
Finner, who had led the Houston Police Department since 2021, concluded his 34-year career with the force. Mayor John Whitmire expressed regret over Finner’s retirement but stated it was in the city’s best interest.
The retirement decision followed the emergence of an internal email, obtained by CNN affiliate KHOU, revealing Finner’s acknowledgment of an investigation suspended due to a “lack of personnel” back in 2018, contradicting his earlier claim of being unaware of the practice until 2021.
While serving as executive assistant chief in charge of patrol operations, Finner stated in a February press conference that he first learned of the policy upon assuming the role of chief in 2021. Subsequently, he directed the Special Victims Division to cease using the “lack of personnel” code for suspending investigations.
Finner disclosed in April that the police department was in the process of reviewing over 264,000 cases suspended since 2016, with more than 4,000 involving adult sex crime allegations. An independent review committee has been tasked with investigating the matter.
In response to the KHOU report, Finner maintained his integrity, asserting that he had always been truthful and transparent. However, he admitted to being unaware of the “suspended lack of personnel” codes used by the department, as mentioned in the email.
Finner pledged to address the media and the public once the investigation concludes. Mayor Whitmire appointed Larry Satterwhite as acting police chief, who previously served as executive assistant chief under Finner. The mayor refrained from elaborating on whether he had requested Finner’s retirement, emphasizing that the issue had impacted police operations.
Finner did not respond to CNN’s request for comment, and as of Wednesday afternoon, the police department had yet to formally announce the leadership change.