The entire homicide division at 1200 Travis is under investigation. Internal Affairs has been looking at old cases and those who have investigated them for weeks.
We know at least one sergeant has been relieved of duty and if the allegations are confirmed, the mayor says they would have huge ramifications.
This investigation was initiated several weeks ago. Sources tell Eyewitness News it started as a probe into one sergeant's work, but as murder cases were audited, questions about other detectives' reports and evidence arose. The allegations are that a number of murder cases were not properly investigated.
The mayor has been briefed on the subject. She wouldn't talk about details but does say it's cause for concern, especially since it involves what's often considered the elite of the department.
"Those are the guys are who have risen up out of the pack who have proven themselves, we hope, competent and capable of taking on the most important job the police department does and that's investigating the taking of human life. So if it's true that there have been problems -- failure to investigate -- it will send shockwaves through the department," said Houston Mayor Annise Parker.
HPD released this statement, "The HPD Internal Affairs Division is conducting an ongoing investigation in regards to investigative procedures in the Homicide Division. Until this investigation is completed, there will be no further details or information released."
The investigation is expected to take several months.
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