The Houston Police Department is facing issues with the 'SL' code, a procedural code created in 2016 after a 2014 manpower study by Justex. This study showed the department was understaffed, a problem that has worsened, with the force now nearly 200 officers short compared to 2014. The 'SL' code was meant to help manage the workload by identifying cases that could not be pursued due to limited resources.
An internal investigation into the 'SL' code has caused tension among senior officers. They are concerned that this scrutiny implies they failed in their supervisory duties. The investigation is examining how the code was overseen and used, which was originally intended as a temporary fix for the staffing shortage.
The department's leadership has been criticized for how they managed the situation. The current police chief, who learned about the 'SL' code in 2021, ordered it to be discontinued. However, there was no follow-up to confirm the code was stopped, nor an audit to evaluate its use and impact. This oversight has resulted in disciplinary actions against several high-ranking officers.
Doug Griffith, President of the Houston Police Officers' Union, has long spoken about the staffing issues. He believes the public should know about the department's limitations, suggesting that transparency about which cases can be pursued might reduce public dissatisfaction. He has criticized the leadership for not being open about these operational challenges.
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