HOUSTON – The Houston Police Department may not have a permanent police chief, but that’s not stopping Acting Chief Larry Satterwhite from making a number of changes in the command staff.
KPRC 2 Investigates has confirmed the department is having five commanders take on new roles. While some are viewing the changes with a close eye others are saying it’s a routine move by the department.
In a call on Monday, Satterwhite told KPRC 2 it’s all about “employee development.”
One intriguing move involves Commander Donna Crawford who has been heading up Internal Affairs as well as the investigation involving the suspension of over 4,000 sexual assault cases through usage of a code citing lack of manpower.
Crawford is going to head up the Gangs Division, while Jonathon Halliday will be moving from Command Center to Southeast Division Patrol. Commander Michael Collins will now be heading up Internal Affairs while Jim Dale is being transferred from Westside Division to Command Center. Mario Clinton – who is being promoted to Commander – will be tasked with running the Westside Division.
Crawford’s transfer is raising questions because HPD Internal Affairs had to reopen the investigation as to why the department suspended over 4,000 sexual assault investigations over lack of personnel.
It was one week ago that Mayor John Whitmire told KPRC 2 Investigates he is expecting the internal affairs investigation into the suspended cases to be completed by July 1st.
In early May investigators had to reopen the case after integrity questions were raised over what Executive Assistant Chief Chandra Hatcher stated to former Chief Troy Finner in a letter that launched the investigation. The Hatcher portion of the investigation – which again had to do simply with whether or not she attended a meeting -- was opened six weeks ago according to multiple sources.
Satterwhite says this is “about employee development.”
Mayor Whitmire in a statement to KPRC 2 Investigates says, “I was informed by Acting Police Chief Satterwhite about the command changes he planned to make. Even as Acting Chief, Satterwhite is responsible for the operational and personnel decisions. The command changes are unrelated to the IAD and Independent Review which are an ongoing process. Stay tuned,” said Whitmire.