KPRC 2 Investigates examines crime trends during Acevedo’s time as Houston police chief
January 12, 2023
KPRC-TV in Houston examined crime statistics in Houston during outgoing Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tenure from 2016 to 2020 compared to the city's data on crime since 1985. The data examined by the news station found that aggravated assault cases were the highest they have been in 35 years and that homicide cases are at their highest rate in 25 years. Robberies have been lower and car thefts overall have been lower, with a noticeable uptick starting in 2017.
Incoming HPD Chief Houston Troy Finner wants to reverse Houston's crime trends and rely on the public to help solve cases.
“He’s got a problem on his hands, but the good thing about him is that he is from the community,” said Dr. Howard Henderson, director of the Center for Justice Research at Texas Southern University.
Henderson said having a chief who grew up in the Fifth Ward is a good thing for Houstonians.
“There is just no way you are going to be able to solve crime without understanding how people think in these different communities,” said Henderson.