HOUSTON – HPD Police Chief Art Acevedo announced his resignation from the department yesterday, as a result, Mayor Sylvester Turner says the department is now seeking someone to take over the lead of the agency.
“I am looking for a successor who will address the needs of our city, gain the trust of our diverse communities, focus on the needs of the Houston Police Department, and work in the best interest of all Houstonians,” Mayor Turner said.
Chief Acevedo joined HPD in 2016 from Austin, Texas. During his tenure, he led a department of more than 5,000 police officers and hundreds of civilian personnel in the nation’s 4th largest city.
“I congratulate Chief Acevedo on his new position as chief of police in Miami, FL. I hate to see him leave, but this is an extraordinary opportunity for him at a time when he is one of the nation’s leading voices in law enforcement,” said Mayor Turner in a news conference.
In his email to the department, Acevedo name-dropped two candidates who have served as his executive assistant chiefs, Troy Finner and Matt Slinkard.
Troy Finner, one of Acevedo’s direct reports, oversees field operations for HPD. His duties include acting as a liaison – and at times, as acting police chief – with city officials as designated by the chief.
Matt Slinkard, another of Acevedo’s direct reports, oversees investigative and support operations.
Turner expects to announce the future of HPD leadership later this week.
Watch the video below to hear Mayor Turner’s full statement
City of Houston