Houston Police Department Chief Troy Finner has unveiled a formal plan to address the backlog of sexual assault cases that have been pending since 2016, offering hope to thousands of victims awaiting justice. During a press conference, Chief Finner announced that 32 employees will be reassigned to the Special Victims Unit to review 4,017 adult sex crime cases that were previously suspended due to staffing shortages. In the last two weeks alone, investigators have already examined around 700 reports.
Finner clarified that the number of cases for review is tentative and subject to change in the next 30 days. The investigation also involves scrutinizing whether cases were misclassified as sexual assault and filtering out duplicate reports. Notably, the issue affects only adult cases, with investigations involving children and teenagers proceeding as usual.
Expressing his commitment to treating victims with dignity and respect, Chief Finner emphasized the trauma of sexual assault and pledged accountability within the department. He condemned the use of a specific code for suspended cases, which he had previously halted in November 2021, only to discover its continued use two weeks ago.
The backlog of sexual assault cases isn’t unique to HPD, as other agencies like the Harris County Sheriff’s Office also face staffing challenges. A report released by the Harris County Sexual Assault Response Team revealed significant delays in investigating pending cases due to limited resources.
The backlog has deeply affected victims and their families, with delays causing emotional distress and anxiety. Christopher Reed shared the ordeal his 16-year-old godniece faced while awaiting investigation into her case of alleged inappropriate touching by her manager.
In response to concerns raised, HCSO has pledged to reach out to Reed’s family. Meanwhile, HPD assures victims of cold cases that they will be contacted within the coming weeks. Victims with updated contact information are encouraged to reach out to HPD for updates.
Overall, Chief Finner’s announcement marks a significant step towards addressing the backlog of sexual assault cases and providing closure to victims who have long awaited justice.
