Report: HPD has major staffing problem

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston has a problem. That's the bottom-line conclusion of a study commissioned by the city of Houston on police staffing.

The Justex Systems report compiled data from June 2013 through May of this year. The report states that nearly 20,000 with leads went uninvestigated last year because of inadequate staffing. Other findings include:

• 365 more patrol officers are needed to comply with the department's response of two officer units responding to priority one calls.


• 45 more investigators needed to pursue burglary and theft cases. Because of a lack of staffing last year, nearly 15,000 cases with leads were not investigated. Assault cases and hit and runs are also areas of concern. Realistically the report suggests more than 45 investigators would be preferred.


• Replacing sworn personnel with civilian employees where possible, including parade and event planning. Currently, HPD officers have to compile planning for high-profile events.

Police union President Ray Hunt says the actual number is 1,500 to keep the status quo. Factor in the number of HPD officers eligible for retirement and the number is higher.

Asked if he thinks a jump in staffing would justify a tax increase, Hunt replied, "Tell that to the nine people per thousand who've been affected by crime."