Finner to take oath as chief of HPD

Incoming Police Chief Troy Finner will formally take over the reins of the Houston Police Department on Monday. The same day, 963 miles to the east, outgoing Chief Art Acevedo will be sworn in as Miami’s new top cop.

Finner’s swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. at City Hall. The 54-year-old veteran, who hails from Fifth Ward and attended Madison High School, was sworn in as an HPD officer in 1990. His career took him on patrol assignments in Southwest Patrol and South Gessner; he also handled assignments in communication services, internal investigations, criminal investigations and public affairs.

Finner spent 12 years working as a patrol officer before being promoted to sergeant in 2002. He was in that role for five years before becoming a lieutenant then was promoted directly to assistant chief in 2014.

After Acevedo arrived, he tapped Finner to be one of his two top subordinates. After Acevedo announced his impending departure, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced his decision to elevate Finner to lead HPD. In his first interview with the Houston Chronicle, he laid out several priorities, including creating a policy for the release of bodycam video and build

ing community trust.

Acevedo’s new job, meanwhile, comes after a long career in the California Highway Patrol and after leading police departments in Austin and Houston. His decision to move to a smaller department surprised many because he had been widely rumored to be considering a run for political office or an appointment in the Biden administration.