HOUSTON -- Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt is resigning effective Dec. 30, according to Mayor Bill White’s office.
"I came here in 2004 to work for Bill White and Bill White’s leaving office at the end of the year and I’ll be leaving office at the same time," Hurtt told 11 News.
Hurtt met with his command staff on Tuesday to deliver the news.
"And I told them how proud I was of their dedication to the police department as well as to the citizens of Houston, and that we’ve done some great things," Hurtt said.
Under Hurtt’s tenure as chief, the overall crime rate went down and he brought Tasers to the department. But there were blemishes as well, including the controversy over faulty photo lineups and mishandled evidence at the police crime lab.
"There are peaks and valleys in your career just like life. But you have to manage yourself so you don’t stay in the valleys too long," Hurtt said.
Mayor-Elect Annise Parker said during her campaign that she planned to replace Hurtt.
Parker said Monday that HPD needs fundamental change.
"I am absolutely committed to moving the department forward, a different style of policing and that by itself is one third of our city’s budget," Parker said.
Parker is expected to promote from within the ranks. Sources tell 11 News the frontrunners include assistant chiefs Tim Ottmeyer and Vicki King.
"That’s an honor that I haven’t been visited about but to serve with the men and women of the Houston Police Department in any capacity is truly an honor," King said.
"I don’t think people should worry about who the next chief is," Hurtt said. "I think what people should worry about here is that they continue to make an investment in public safety."
Hurtt says he plans to try something new after four decades in law enforcement.
