The Final Report on HPD’s Use of Controversial Suspension Code

HOUSTON — The Independent Review Committee brings forth their final report today during the City Council meeting on Houston Police Department’s suspended incidents, shedding light on a controversial code.

Appointed by Mayor John Whitmire back in March, the committee, led by Chair Ellen Cohen, will be present at the meeting to present their findings.

the investigation into the code was initiated after a robbery-turned-sexual assault incident in 2023. A man robbed a Fiesta Mart, tied up a husband, and sexually assaulted his wife. This harrowing event sparked internal investigations that uncovered a myriad of suspended cases, including a sexual assault case from 2022 that went uninvestigated due to lack of personnel.

Despite the shocking revelations, no disciplinary action has been taken for the use of the controversial suspension code. HPD officials attribute the widespread use of the code to staffing shortages, emphasizing the need for increased resources to handle the caseload effectively.

Amidst calls for reform, HPD officials have pledged to thoroughly investigate all sexual assault cases moving forward, with a focus on addressing overlooked cases from the past.

If you’re interested in reading the full report on HPD’s use of the controversial suspension code, you can access it here.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as HPD strives to improve their response to sexual assault cases and tackle the issues highlighted in the final report.