HOUSTON — Troy Finner is retiring after serving three years as chief of the Houston Police Department.
The news of his retirement came amid an investigation into the department's suspension of incident reports due to a "lack of personnel."
"The last few months of my career were, perhaps, the most challenging yet most rewarding," Finner said in a statement he posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. "It was painful because some victims of violent crime did not receive the quality care and service they deserved. But, it was beneficial because we implemented measures to ensure this never happens again. Our department and our profession will be better because of it."
Finner joined HPD 34 years ago. He was working as a patrol officer for 12 years before being promoted to sergeant. He spent five years in this role before becoming a lieutenant. Seven years later, he was assigned the role of assistant chief and took over as police chief when former Mayor Sylvester Turner appointed him in 2021.
Finner said becoming a Houston police officer was one of the best choices he's ever made and it was an honor serving the Houston community.
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the citizens who have shown me unconditional love and support," he said.
Finner didn't say what's next for him but said whatever the future holds, he will continue to serve others.
Read his full statement below:
"Thirty-four years ago, I decided to become a Houston police officer and serve my city. It has been one of the best choices I've made in my life. Every day, even the most challenging ones, has been rewarding.
Without a don't, we have the best citizens in the world, and it has been an honor to service every neighborhood in our city. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the citizens who have shown me unconditional love and support.
It has been a privilege to work with some of the most dedicated and honorable public servants, both civilian and classified. Your contributions to our city have been unmatched. Let's make sure to love and support one another as a family as we provide services to our great community.
I will always remember and honor the 121 members in the history of our agency who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Let's never forget them or their families.
The last few months of my career were, perhaps, the most challenging yet most rewarding. It was painful because some victims of violent crime did not receive the quality care and service they deserved. But, it was beneficial because we implemented measures to ensure this never happens again. Our department and our profession will be better because of it.
Most importantly, I would like to thank God for guiding my steps and keeping me safe throughout my career. I would also like to thank my family and close friends for their unwavering support.
It was the highest honor to serve as your chief for three years in this great department and city. Whatever the future holds for me, I will continue to serve others."
Background of 'lack of personnel' code
- May 7: KHOU 11 Investigates: HPD email shows Chief Finner knew about suspended cases code earlier than he claimed
- April 30: 45 suspects charged in HPD's review of suspended incident reports due to 'lack of personnel' code, Finner says
- April 18: ‘We remain laser-focused’ | HPD says all 4,000+ suspended adult sex crime reports have been reviewed
- April 11: KHOU 11 Investigates: 30 charges filed in HPD suspended cases
- April 8: HPD had named suspects in dozens of sex crime cases that were shelved
- April 2: Some charges filed as HPD continues to review cases suspended under department's 'lack of personnel' code, Finner says
- March 20: Independent review committee begins reviewing HPD's handling of suspended cases
- March 19: Police union calls for Houston Police Chief Troy Finner’s recusal in suspended case probe
- March 8: How does the statute of limitations impact HPD's suspended cases due to 'lack of personnel' code?
- March 7: Assaults top list of HPD cases suspended for lack of personnel
- March 7: Houston mayor calls for outside review into HPD after thousands of cases were suspended
- March 1: 2 HPD assistant chiefs demoted after hundreds of thousands of reported crimes were suspended, police officers' union says
- February 28: 'Things need to change' | Sexual assault survivors want voices to be heard
- February 28: 'I don't want to leave any victim behind' | HPD chief vows to clean up system that allowed 264,000 reported crimes to be suspended
- February 22: 'We owe them an apology' | HPD to thoroughly investigate 'suspended' sexual assault cases
- February 19: Mayor Whitmire weighs in on sexual assault cases that were suspended by Houston Police Department
- February 16: 'Should have never happened' | Houston police to review sexual assault cases that had been suspended