HOUSTON – More changes are underway in the Houston Police Department amid the investigation into the suspended cases scandal that has overwhelmed the department for over a month.
KPRC 2 Investigates has confirmed with HPD’s Union that five commanders and one lieutenant have been served by internal affairs in the ongoing internal affairs division investigation as to how 4,000 sex assault investigations were suspended without being fully investigated.
KPRC 2 has also learned that HPD Chief Troy Finner has promoted two commanders to assistant chiefs. The two promoted officers are Alvaro Guzman and Adrian Rodriguez.
KPRC 2 Investigates spoke with multiple sources tied to HPD who said that Rodriguez is well-liked within the department. One source said the change will help with the department’s morale.
In December, Mayor John Whitmire told KPRC 2 Investigates that morale within the department is the worst he’s seen in 50 years.
About a month ago, HPD Chief Troy Finner admitted he knew about the suspension of cases in 2021 and claimed he ordered it to stop. However, the practice continued under his watch.
What remains unclear is whether or not IAD has investigated Chief Finner over his actions in the scandal.
