list of houston police chiefs

1894 was the year where the department hired its first two police detectives and purchased a patrol wagon. In early 2004, during Mayor Bill White's first term in office, HPD absorbed the Neighborhood Protection division from the City of Houston Planning Department, which was renamed the Neighborhood Protection Corps in 2005. On Monday morning, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner was sworn . The history of red light camera enforcement goes back to the 78th Texas Legislature[when?] Another feature added was the teleprinter, which simultaneously typed an offense report as a new record was entered into the system. On July 2, 2007, Mayor Bill White started a new program called the "Mobility Response Team". This is a list of law enforcement agencies in the U.S. state of Texas.. HPD hired the Department's only civilian Academy Director. The first HPD badge issued bore the number "1.". HPD also operates 29 store front locations throughout the city. Longtime HPD officer Troy Finner is the current chief. from a burning building or vehicle, or from drowning). However, that analyst was fully reinstated to her previous position in January 2004, less than one month after her December 2003 termination. One was Ellington Field along (Then Known as) Galveston Road and Camp Logan (Later to become Memorial Park). Recently Fallen. Particularly of interest to the reporters were criminal cases that involved DNA analysis and serological (body fluid) testing. Supervisors may also be appointed under certain circumstances to act in the next higher rank during an absence from duty of their supervisor. On leadership, Chief stressed the importance of hard work, leading by example, and elevating people around you. HPD moved to its new building that same year. Chief of Police Unit Citation: may be presented to two or more employees who performed an act or a series of acts over a period of time that demonstrated exceptional bravery or outstanding service to the department or the community. Plans are underway to have this judicial ruling heard by the. Studies released in February 2006 indicate that Safe Clear has been successful during its fledgling year. But it held that the Act did prohibit non-classified employees from supervising classified employees. The first HPD badge issued bore the number "1.". [33], Promotion to sergeant through captain all occur via a civil service formula that factors into account performance on the written examination for the respective rank, assessment score, years of service, and level of higher education or 4 years of military service. Breakdown of the makeup of the rank and file of HPD:[44], Breakdown of the types of academic degrees held by HPD members:[45], In May 1977, Joe Campos Torres (1954 - May 5, 1977), a 23-year-old Vietnam War veteran, was arrested for disorderly conduct at a bar in Houston's predominantly Hispanic East End neighborhood. Officers are eligible to take the sergeant's promotion exam after 5 years of service. Also in 2013, HPD began to issue the TASER X2 in place of the TASER X26. Isaac C. Lord lobbied and succeeded in adopting the dress uniform which states, "The dress of the members of the police force shall be navy blue, indigo die and all wool." On October 19, 1926, Magnolia Park, the first substation was opened. [citation needed]. PHONE: 713-308-1600 Troy Finner was born in the 5th Ward area of Houston. HOUSTON - Troy Finner has been sworn in as Houston's next Chief of Police.. Finner is a native of Houston and grew up in the Fifth Ward. The patrol vehicle livery, painted white with blue lettered graphics dating back to 1999 (which replaced the Columbia Blue livery last used in 1998 and retired a decade later), is being phased out for a black and white color scheme where 100 vehicles are painted from $60,000 earmarked from asset forfeiture funds (under HPD policy the previous livery is still used in service until official retirement). Masters of Criminology, University of Houston-Clear Lake. There were 3,465 officers, of which 266 were female. Hostile Engagement Award: may be presented to officers who acted judiciously in the line of duty and performed acts upholding the high standards of the law enforcement profession while engaging in hostile confrontations with suspects wielding deadly weapons. 3. @ArtAcevedo. With approximately 5,300 officers and 1,200 civilian support personnel it is the fifth-largest municipal police department, serving the fourth-largest city in the United States. The duties will only involve surface streets and not the freeways and will be using scooters and police cruisers fitted with yellow flashing lights rather than the typical red and blue lights. For example, many officers promote directly to sergeant without ever being senior officers. George Seber was promoted to assistant chief in either 1953 or 1954[38] and was second in command of the department. The audit revealed that a section of the lab's roof was leaking into sample-containment areas, lab technicians were seriously undereducated or unqualified for their jobs, samples had been incorrectly tagged, and samples had been contaminated through improper handling. Bulletproof vests were also introduced to the rank and file and an initial purchase of 30 were made. [citation needed] Downtown Houston is patrolled by the Downtown Division, and the Houston Airport System facilities have their own divisions. . [59][needs update], In late February 2020, the Harris County District Attorney asked local courts to appoint lawyers to represent 69 people who had been convicted based on the testimony of Officer Gerald Goines. There were 1,533 fewer freeway accidents in 2005, a decrease of 10.4% since Safe Clear's implementation. In 1940, HPD had grown to 466 officers. On April 21, 1911, Mayor Baldwin Rice hires Frank Hamer to assist special officers who were investigating a gang that had killed several HPD officers. The Houston Police Department answered in 1909 with the purchase of the first police motorcycle and in 1910 with the purchase of the first police car. The Houston Police Helicopter Division celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2010. The HPD paved a new road again in 1990 when Mayor Kathy Whitmire appointed Elizabeth Watson as the first female chief of police. Percy Heard was sworn as Superintendent of Police. Some of these kits dated back 20 years. Tests showed he had twice the legal limit of alcohol in his blood. These new officers are ready to hit the streets with their FTO's and make a positive. Not only did the audit bolster KHOU's report but also found that samples were contaminated and the lab's files were very poorly maintained. They inflated the number of persons they claimed attended in order to gain additional funds. 1965: The State of Texas established the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). As of June 19, the number of police officers in uniform increased to 5,000 for the first time since 2005 with today's graduation class. After 12 years of HPD service and obtaining a TCOLE Master Peace Officer certification, an officer becomes a senior officer. parade Grand Marshal LEON COFFEE. [25], In the morning of May 2, 2020, HPD's helicopter crashed in an apartment complex in north Houston, killing officer Jason Knox and injuring another. Earlier today I gave my Chief's Coin to Houston rodeo legend, Barrelman, Rodeo Fan Favorite and @RODEOHOUSTON. The location of the future compound isn't available. 1956 Carl Shuptrine was appointed Chief and in 1957 he reassigned 70 officers from downtown foot patrol to patrol cars to help get to Houston's newly annexed areas. They are also armed with TASER X26 tasers. Bromwich team releases its final report recommending, among other things, free DNA testing in 413 questionable serology cases, and the appointment of a special master to review 180 serology cases with "major issues.". However, Aimpoint electronic optical sights are still allowed. As Houston became a larger metropolis throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the HPD found itself growing and acquiring more technology to keep up with the city's fast pace. This was an effort to "decentralize" the Police Department and to economize manpower. Factoring in population growth, Houston's murder rate dropped from 12.6 murders per 100,000 people in 2009 to 11.8 murders per 100,000 residents in 2010. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison. [16] As of January 2016, the Sig Sauer P320 in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP is approved for uniformed officers to carry. [11] The scandal involving the DNA Lab would last well into the decade. HPD headquarters, 1200 Travis, is in Downtown Houston. [3], During the 20th century, the HPD enforced an oppressive racial system that targeted blacks for harassment and failed to protect the black community. Dial 911 for emergencies. Honor, Integrity, Respect. With the election of Robert "Bob" Lanier in November 1991 and his swearing in ceremony two months later, he pledged to put the equivalent of 655 additional officers on the streets of Houston. This move sparked controversy because he was originally the Chief of Police from San Antonio. Officers were allowed to wear short-sleeve shirts for the first time and allowed uniform officers to wear a mustache. In 1918 HPD hired Eva Jane Bacher as its first policewoman and in 1921 was assigned to the Public Moral and safety squad (Which later turned into the Vice Division), making her the first female Detective. The Airport Police department and City Marshals were merged into the HPD. December Carrol Lynn appointed to Chief of Police. Geo News Special - Pakistani-American Yasir Bashir appointed assistant chief of USA policeFor More Videos Subscribe - https://www.youtube.com/geonewsVisit ou. He instituted several changes including "Neighborhood Oriented Policing. " Female cadets were hired as. March: Josiah Sutton, convicted with faulty DNA evidence, is released from prison after serving more than four years for a rape he did not commit. Congratulations to the 11 newest members of the Aurora Police Department! These are the current ranks of the Houston Police Department: Those with the rank of sergeant or above are supervisors and are issued gold badges whereas officers are issued silver badges. Chief of Police Commendation: may be presented to any department employee who demonstrated a high degree of professional excellence or initiative through the success of initiating, developing, or implementing difficult projects, programs, or investigations. In March 1991, The Texas Supreme Court ruled on the long running lawsuit known as Lee V. City of Houston. As a result, Chief Short declared that any citizen of Houston or HPD would not be denied access to any public street. The Safe Clear program was implemented by Mayor Bill White on January 1, 2005, as a joint venture between the City of Houston and the Houston Police Department. Bradford was promoted to assistant chief from the rank of sergeant. 1979: The department announced a new neighborhood crime program called, "Houstonians on Watch". The second-in-command Deputy Marshal was the first black officer to hold that position among those hired. Chief of Police This included 17 civilian jailers and in 1959 purchased two lots for future substations. Lieutenants and above may also be referred to as commanders. The Missing Persons Division was established. The Houston Police Department was founded in 1841. Pages in category "Houston Police Department chiefs". With 16 helicopters, the division is the third largest air support unit in the United States after the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. On November, an investigative report made by KHOU about improper lab procedures and accuracy of results. Award of Excellence: may be presented to classified or civilian employees who have distinguished themselves on or off duty by outstanding service to HPD or the community. Medal of Valor: may be presented to officers who judiciously performed voluntary acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty, knowing that taking such action presented a clear threat to their lives. October: The toxicology division, which tests for alcohol and drugs, is shuttered after its head fails a proficiency test.[12]. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers and Standards Education (TCLEOSE) established minimum appointment standards for applicants to become peace officers. Beginning in early 2003, the HPD Crime Lab began cooperating with outside DNA testing facilities to review criminal cases involving cases or convictions associated with Crime Lab evidence. Reforestation is planned for this section of. The following list also contains officers from the Houston Airport Police Department and the Houston City Marshal's Office, which were merged into HPD.[when?][41][42][43]. On October 26, 2007, HPD revealed that since the red light cameras went online, it has generated $6 Million in revenue and are looking at a variety of programs to fund including three specially designed. A "Shadow Box" was installed allowing victims to view suspects without being seen as well. According to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics' 2008 Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies, the state had 1,913 law enforcement agencies, the most of any state. DNA division resumes testing after receiving accreditation. New Houston Police Chief Troy Finner is sworn in as his wife holds the bible, on April 5, 2021. A budget crunch in major Texas cities is partly to blame where municipal budgets are usually slashed including priority spending for first responders. In 1933 The Police and Fire Departments were merged briefly under the Department of Safety. Let Chief Finner know. The Houston Police Officers Association (HPOA) was created in 1945. [18], There are fifty intersections with red light cameras in the city with cameras (twenty intersections were added where dual cameras were installed). Eleven years later, in 1921, the HPD installed the city's first traffic light. The Bill Blackwood Institute, Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT), at Sam Houston State University provides free continuing education for heads of police departments. Updated by the minute, our Dallas Cowboys NFL Tracker: News and views and moves inside The Star and around the league . The city Ordinance that forced officers to keep their firearms out of sight under their coats was repealed. Tenured officers whose handguns are "grandfathered in" are still allowed to carry their weapons after the mandated .40 (S&W) requirement. As a result, the city started to issue .44 caliber guns instead. Free from any physical defects or deformations. Snap-on ties would be worn for safety reasons. Since Ford no longer produces the "crown Vic" (procurement of the Crown Vic ended in April 2011 when the orders were filled), The department has chosen to phase in the Chevy Tahoe PPV and Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Explorer) as the successor to the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. "Neighborhood Oriented Policing is an interactive process between police officers assigned to specific beats and the citizens that either work or reside in these beats to mutually develop ways to identify problems and concerns and then assess viable solutions by provided available resources from both the police department and the community to address the problems and/or concerns.". This resulted in a gun battle in which the leader, Carl Hampton, was killed. Select tow truck companies across the city were authorized to tow a stalled vehicle as soon as possible after being notified by an HPD officer. These agencies employed 59,219 sworn police officers, about 244 for each 100,000 residents. Hubert Arturo Acevedo (born July 31, 1964) is an American police officer who is the interim chief of police of the Aurora Police Department as of December 2022. A majority of them are located at a thoroughfare at a freeway intersection - primarily in the Galleria and southwest Houston. [21], Hurtt spent around $24 million on overtime pay through 2010. Before becoming a police chief, he was a member of . The access to this database allows to be able what was pawned, by who, and where. In 1998, the executive assistant chief rank was created,[40] making it the second highest rank. The first radio was installed in patrol cars. [citation needed] Officers are also allowed to carry an AR-15 rifle, Ruger Mini-14 rifle, Remington 870 shotgun, Benelli M1 Super 90 shotgun and M2 Super 90 shotgun. Houston, TX 77002 October 26, Six year veteran HPD Officer Reuben De Leon Jr. was murdered in the line of duty in an apartment complex. Solo (motorcycle) officers use Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In May 2005, the Houston Police Department announced that with much effort and coordination on their part, they had received national accreditation through the American Society of Crime Lab Directors (ASCLD). Chief Charles McClelland while chief, carried a Colt 1911 Mk. All officers had to have a standardized nickel-plated badge with either a number or rank. There was little patrolling of the city during the next 20 years. Updated: 4:46 PM CDT April 5, 2021. Blue Heart Award: may be presented to officers who received life-threatening injuries while acting judiciously and in the line of duty. The Houston Area Police Chief Association is committed to professional excellence by providing a network of seasoned law enforcement peers from all of the law enforcement entities serving the Houston Texas region. Brown's appointment was controversial from the start. The 61 Riesner site houses the HPD central patrol office, the municipal jail, and the transportation department. Later that year, Houston purchased its first police car, along with the formation of the city's first traffic squad to help maintato Houston's bustling streets at that time. July 21: The Chief announced that the police helicopters would have to fly reduced hours from 21 hours a day to 3 a day. It also pointed out various deficiencies of various lab personal in experience and education. The program was initially very unpopular among Houston residents. August 26 HPD unveils a new tool that would allow patrol officers to check fingerprints in the field from FBI and other sources. In 1951, Chief Morrison announced a "booster squad" designed to be deployed at certain crime-infested parts of the city that proved to be quite effective in cutting down crime in areas they worked in. All pilots and tactical flight officers are sworn Houston police officers. Against the wishes of Chief Watson, the 60 College credit hour requirements were dropped. Finner will take command . During the sentencing phase of the trial, two other women came forward claiming that Joseph had also raped them. All officers could have one day off per week. The first class that graduated was on August 16, 1939, and is referred to as the Class of '39.[3]. Per policy, officers cannot be appointed as acting sergeants (supervisors). Meritorious Service Award: may be presented to officers who have distinguished themselves by one of the following: (a) conduct during a criminal investigation or law enforcement action while demonstrating a high level of courage or (b) actions resulting in the apprehension of a felon under dangerous or unusual circumstances. Lifesaving Award: may be presented to any classified or civilian employee when a person would more than likely have died or suffered permanent brain damage if not for the employee's actions. Non-emergency 713-884-3131. HOUSTON - The Houston Police Department said Sunday that it has two new assistant chiefs. July 19 A decommissioned Boeing 737 was added acquired by, November 15 The Red Light program comes to an end after a. January 1: HPD reports that 2010 murders are down 7% at 267, compared to 287 from 2009. Reporters David Raziq, Anna Werner and Chris Henao got an e-mail from a local mother. One-man units to cover more area and reduce crime. Turner also announced an overhaul to the Independent Police Oversight Board with a . [citation needed]. Marin then shot him, resulting in his death. Police1 law enforcement directory is a comprehensive list of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the United States. Law enforcement is a noble profession and a rewarding career choice for anyone looking to give back to the community. A third substation, North Side was opened. [46], In June 2021, police chief Troy Finner apologized to the Torres family, calling the killing "straight-up murder. This allows some officers to still carry .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt revolvers. [58], In October 2013, Officer Adan Jimenez Carranza pleaded guilty to "attempted sexual assault" for raping a woman in the back of his patrol car after investigating a minor traffic accident. The Chief meets weekly with his Executive Command Staff, which is composed of the department's Executive Chief, Executive Assistant Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, and Deputy Directors. 1988: In 1990 Chief Brown left Houston to be the Police Commissioner for the New York Police Department. The individual is not eligible if there was any personal gain, financial compensation, special services, or privileges in exchange for the act. He was convicted on faulty work of the lab's serology division. The remainder of the decade saw the following milestones: In 1930, the Touchy Furniture Store Robbery highlighted a deficiency in the firepower of HPD's weapons. [28], A map of all stations and store front locations can be found at the HPD web site. In 1970, the Helicopter Patrol Division was formed with three leased Hughes 300 helicopters which gave the city the largest helicopter division in the nation. [39] After the rank of assistant chief was re-instituted in the mid-1970s,[36] the deputy chief rank was third highest for a time. [30] By the end of 1989 the police department had established 19 storefronts and planned to open 10 additional storefronts in 1990.[31]. Torres' body was found two days later. Lord was the first in 1875). 1973: City Council approves time-and-a-half overtime for all city employees. Frequent complaints were that the program unfairly punished lower-income motorists by enforcing a high towing fee and that the program could potentially damage vehicles that required special tow trucks and equipment to be safely towed away. In 1960, some of the requirements were trainee applicants during this time frame were to be: 1960: The Central Intelligence Division was created to track "hoodlums". Public Service Award: may be presented to any individual outside the department who voluntarily acted in circumstances requiring unusual courage or heroism while assisting a police officer or other citizen. [6] Mayor Welch then planned community relations training program for police officers in the aftermath of the riot. She told them that her son, Josiah Sutton, had been tried for rape in 1999 and found guilty based upon HPD Crime Lab testing. The first in-house videotape training for in-service was established. The referendum that passed in November 2010 was later invalidated by U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes June 17, 2011 citing that the referendum violated the city charter despite the contract with American Traffic Solutions, which provided the camera equipment. "Bill" Smith and James Marion West Jr. to help Police officers by providing assistance when officers are hurt or killed in the line of duty. Some of the retired "baby blue" cruisers are sold at auctions with all police equipment stripped and returned to be reused in other cruisers. The city and the HPD addressed these concerns with program improvements that provided funds to pay for short tows that removed stalled vehicles from the freeway and then allowed drivers to choose their own garage and tow companies once they were safely off the freeway. In 1954, Chief Jack Heard was appointed Chief of Police. They found obvious mistakes in the report that the lab should have known about. Annise Parker, Mayor White's successor, moved the Neighborhood Protection Corps into the Department of Neighborhoods when the new city division was established in August 2011 - the NPC was renamed as the Inspections and Public Service division of the Department of Neighborhoods. Complaints against members of the Houston Police Department may be initiated in person to a supervisor at any police substation throughout the City of Houston, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Police Administrator Homeland Command T. E. Hardin Assistant Chief Air Support J. The livery on HPD squads (with a silver shield on the front doors which has 'HOUSTON POLICE' and the 'RADIO PATROL' above the shield) was phased out where a white stripe with red inserts were phased in. In October 1950, a new City ordinance took effect that reduced the police work week from 48 to 40 hours. One of the first priorities he accomplished was the elimination of the promotional ranks of sergeant and lieutenant. [53][54], In August 2011, press reports stated that the department held more than 7,000 used rape kits that had never been tested. [citation needed] Around 2016 the Houston Chronicle revealed that some of the older squads are still in service but the breakdown rate has increased - a 100,000 mile marked squad (or 120,000 mile unmarked vehicle) has the life expectancy of an automobile with 300,000 miles with regular maintenance. . Each dispatcher had a computer CRT screen, which access information regarding stolen vehicles and pick-ups for other divisions. [18], A voter referendum during the 2010 Texas gubernatorial elections to eliminate red-light cameras passed. In 1920, HPD revised its application examination to cover its duties, responsibilities, various procedures and firearms policies. Goines was accused of creating a fictitious informant and making other false statements to obtain a search warrant that resulted in two deaths in a raid on a home in January 2019. It is not required to move through every rank below to achieve a higher rank. This is a continuing trend for the past five years. Elizabeth Watson served from 1990 to 1992 and was followed by Sam Nuchia, who served as police chief from 1992 to 1997. In November 2007, HPD newly formed Crime Reduction Unit hit the streets targeting Class 1 crimes. The New York Times asked the question, "Worst Crime Lab in the Country?" [28], The Houston Police Department administrative offices and investigative offices are at 1200 Travis in Downtown Houston. Trejo was fired from the department. Defunct ranks include detective, commissioner, captain, inspector, and deputy chief. That year also marked the department's first purchase of bulletproof vests for their officers. Members of the People's Party II had dared any HPD unit to drive down Dowling. Inspector fell under assistant chief and resided directly above captain, until the rank retired in 1978. The overtime that is planned would be about equal to 500,000 police hours of which would help bolster various departments including, vice, Westside patrol and traffic enforcement, among other areas including a new 60-member crime reduction unit that will serve as a citywide tactical squad. [23], The crime rate, particularly for violent offenses, since the latter part of 2005, when an influx of hurricane evacuees increased the city's population by more than 100,000, and incidents spiked in certain neighborhoods. The Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) is a local law enforcement agency serving the over four million citizens of Harris County, Texas, United States.It is headquartered on the first and second floors in the 1200 Baker Street Jail in Downtown Houston.. As of the 2010 U.S. census sheriff's office in the state of Texas and the sixth largest in the nation.

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