Concerns Surrounding Panel Investigating Houston Police Department’s Inaction on Cases
Houston, Texas – Concerns are escalating as the panel set to investigate the Houston Police Department’s decision not to pursue over a quarter million cases comes under scrutiny. Last month, HPD Chief Troy Finner revealed that the department had neglected to investigate more than 260,000 cases due to a lack of staff over nearly a decade. This shocking revelation prompted Mayor John Whitmire to call for an independent review of the situation.
However, doubts have been raised about the independence and credibility of the panel appointed by Mayor Whitmire. Attorney Randall Kallinen and other community activists expressed their concerns regarding the composition of the group, arguing that it lacks true independence and representation of the community. Kallinen criticized the panel for not including members from organizations like League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) or the NAACP, and questioned their ability to conduct an unbiased investigation.
The panel consists of five members, including Ellen Cohen, a former state lawmaker, and city council member as the chairperson. Other members include Jeff Owles, a Texas Ranger, Rev. Leon Preston, a pastor and social justice advocate, Christina Nowak, a city of Houston deputy inspector general, and Arturo Michel, the city attorney. However, critics like Kallinen believe that these members are too closely tied to HPD and may not be impartial in their investigation.
During a council meeting where concerns were to be raised, Mayor Whitmire left early, prompting further skepticism about the panel’s transparency and willingness to address community concerns. Professor Kimberly Dodson, a criminal justice expert, also raised doubts about the panel’s effectiveness, citing its small size, lack of independence, and limited power to subpoena individuals and gather crucial information for the investigation.
Despite these concerns, victims of the unpursued cases are encouraged to come forward and share their experiences with the panel. We the People Organize, a community group, has created a portal for victims to share their stories and seek justice. However, questions remain about the fate of these cases, especially for those whose statute of limitations may have expired.
Kallinen has called for Chief Troy Finner to recuse himself from the investigation, believing that his involvement may compromise the integrity of the process. The police union also sent a letter to HPD requesting Finner’s recusal during the investigation.
As the panel prepares for its first meeting, the community awaits answers and transparency from the appointed members. The outcome of this investigation will have far-reaching implications for the Houston Police Department and its handling of neglected cases. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the panel delves into its investigation.
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