Houston Police Chief Troy Finner Retires Amid Internal Investigation Revelations

Following revelations of an internal investigation into suspended criminal investigations, Houston‘s Police Chief Troy Finner announced his unexpected retirement, presenting his decision to Mayor John Whitmire. The probe centered around an internal code used in over 264,000 cases, including approximately 4,000 sexual assault cases, leading to a cloud of scrutiny surrounding the department.

Recent findings showed Finner had prior knowledge of the code back in 2018, contrary to his claim of first learning about it in 2021. With media reports surfacing the earlier awareness, Finner’s retirement came amidst escalating inquiries and potential entanglement in the ongoing investigation.

Mayor Whitmire accepted Finner’s retirement, emphasizing that the decision was a mutual understanding between the two officials. Assistant Police Chief Larry Satterwhite was swiftly appointed as the acting chief of police, with Whitmire expressing full confidence in Satterwhite’s leadership abilities to maintain the department’s integrity.

The unfolding saga marked a significant development in Finner’s three-year tenure following the tumultuous exit of Art Acevedo in 2021. The city was still reeling from the impact of the pandemic and civil unrest, with the police department grappling with the fallout from past controversies, including the infamous Harding Street raid.

A Fifth Ward native with a longstanding career in public service, Finner rose through the ranks before assuming the role of chief under former Mayor Sylvester Turner. Throughout his term, Finner received mixed reactions from council members, with Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum applauding his professionalism and integrity.

As the internal investigation resurfaced in light of a letter from Executive Assistant Chief Chandra Hatcher, Finner’s stance grew precarious. Hatcher’s involvement in a command staff meeting raised concerns about the handling of sexual assault cases, further complicating the department’s internal affairs.

The reopening of the suspended cases probe and the subsequent unveiling of the 2018 email chain added further complexity to the situation. Douglas Griffith, president of the Houston Police Officers’ Union, raised questions about the validity of the investigation, calling into question the basis upon which several officials had been implicated.

With Satterwhite stepping into the interim chief role, the department faces a period of heightened scrutiny and introspection. Satterwhite, a familiar figure within HPD’s command staff, expressed his devotion to the department and the officers under his charge, acknowledging the challenges ahead.

Mayor Whitmire, faced with the pivotal task of appointing the next permanent chief, emphasized the need for a thorough evaluation. The decision looms large over Houston’s law enforcement landscape, driving a quest for stability and accountability in the wake of Finner’s departure.