HOUSTON – Sexual assault cases reported, but not being investigated?
This is the reality Houstonians were presented with over the weekend following an after business hours post on X by HPD Chief Troy Finner Friday night.
“I have learned a significant number of adult sexual assault cases were suspended due to “lack of personnel,” which is unacceptable,” said Finner.
In a lengthy statement, HPD’s chief went on to add 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,” said Finner.
However, what is “significant” as Finner described in his post? KPRC 2 investigates was provided with some insight Monday from the union representing HPD officers.
“We’re hearing there could be up to 2,000 cases since 2021,” said Doug Griffith, President of the Houston Police Officers Union.
A potential of 2,000 sex assault cases not being investigated is alarming for the union.
“These cases were just basically unworked due to the lack of manpower,” said Griffith.
As for what message is being sent to the victim in the impacted cases?
“Well that’s the problem, I don’t even know if they contacted the victim,” said Griffith.
Mayor John Whitmire told KPRC 2 Investigates he supports Finner’s plan to review. The mayor’s office admits they are “concerned” and will “carefully monitor” the situation. The Mayor and his team added he looks forward to Finner’s update.
KPRC 2 Investigates asked HPOU as to how concerned they are about the trust of Houstonians in HPD to solve cases like these?
“I’m very concerned,” said Griffith without hesitation.
Another person worried is Chau Nguyen of the Texas Forensic Center of Excellence. Her focus is on the victims and what HPD’s lack of investigating may translate to them.
“It’s purely frustrating and it re-traumatize some of the clients we are working with,” said Nguyen, who then added, “Our fear is it may deter them from moving forward with authorities.”
As for how long this has been happening?
“We don’t know how far this goes back, we’ve been told as far as (20)15, but we’re not confident of that,” said Griffith.
The other question being asked, is how was Chief Finner unaware this was happening under his watch?
“Well each division has a commander, and a commander has an assistant chief. The chief can’t know everything that is going on in the department. I will say that, but we have to figure, we have to fix it, make sure it never happens again,” said Griffith.
Neither Finner, nor the department got back to us after attempting to reach them for an interview on Monday. Following our report at 4 p.m., HPD tweeted that there will be a press conference - three days from now - on Thursday at HPD’s headquarters.