After a thorough review of thousands of backlogged incident reports, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner announced significant progress in addressing cases previously suspended due to a "lack of personnel." In a detailed update provided by the City of Houston News, Chief Finner stated that all 4,017 sexual assault reports connected to adults have been examined, with a majority being closed due to no new leads.
Out of the 4,017 cases, 3,462 have been cleared, suspended, or inactivated, while investigations into the remaining files continue. Finner assured, "Any incident will be reopened should a complainant contact us and provide additional information or evidence." The department has also tackled 95 incidents that had DNA profile matches in CODIS, identifying one error in the process, though now 94 hits remain active and are being followed up by investigators. Notably, 14 of these hits are linked to suspects currently incarcerated for other crimes.
But not just sexual assault cases are under the microscope. The HPD has reviewed each of the 807 reports with a family violence nexus, clearing over half while pushing forward with the rest to see who needs more investigation. With almost 92,000 of the overall 264,000 reports reviewed, Finner highlighted, the department is learning from past mistakes. "We are learning from any past mistakes in our case management and review protocols and making corrections as this review process continues," he elaborated.
Moreover, the intensive review process has already resulted in 34 charges being filed against 27 suspects—some for violent crimes like aggravated assault, others for misdemeanors. The department is committing to a steady, comprehensive review, churning through about 10,000 reports each week by personnel working extra shifts, including weekends.
While acknowledging that the process cannot be rushed, Finner remained optimistic about the department's trajectory, saying, "HPD will be a better police department when this review process and follow-up investigations are completed." With frequent meetings with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and the Houston Forensic Science Center, the department's commitment to improvement and justice for survivors is clear.
