Houston police use multiple deputy chiefs to fill interim police chief role during search for new police chief

HOUSTON – It’s been nearly six weeks since former Houston Police Department Chief Troy Finner abruptly retired from the department.

Since then, Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite has been named interim head of the department.

However, who covers his role?

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On Monday, Chief Satterwhite confirmed that he is assigning different deputy chiefs to fulfill his role on a monthly basis. Satterwhite says that in May, Deputy Chief Megan Howard temporarily replaced him, while in June it was Deputy Chief Yasar Bashir. Satterwhite admits he already covered July with Adrian Rodriguez, who was promoted to deputy chief last spring.

Recently, KPRC 2 Investigates asked Mayor John Whitmire for an update on his search for a permanent HPD chief: “I have confidence in Interim Chief Satterwhite as we speak,” Whitmire said.

When asked if there was a search, Whitmire didn’t hesitate: “We’re looking at all of our options,” the mayor said.

KPRC 2 investigators will continue to monitor the situation as it develops.