‘Unacceptable:’ HPD Chief says team to review sexual assault cases after learning many suspended for ‘lack of personnel’

HOUSTON – Houston Police Chief Troy Finner announced a team of investigators will review a significant number of adult sexual assault cases after he says he learned they were suspended due to a lack of personnel.

In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Finner said this is unacceptable.

“Sexual assaults are some of the most traumatic crimes for victims and their families. To address this matter, I have assigned a team of investigators to review those cases coded “Suspended - Lack of Personnel.” Furthermore, I am permanently assigning additional investigators to the Special Victims Division to prevent this from recurring,” Finner said.

Finner said despite staffing challenges, this should have never happened and said it will not continue.

• RELATED: Fewer than half of Houston-area sexual assaults lead to charges

“All victims and their families are important to me and deserve to be treated as such,” Finner said.

Finner said he will address the issue with the public and the media next week.