Several commanders are moving to new roles at the Houston Police Department

HOUSTON – The Houston Police Department may not have a permanent police chief, but that isn’t stopping interim Chief Larry Satterwhite from making a number of changes within the command.

KPRC 2 Investigates confirmed the department has five commanders who will take on new roles. While some are watching the changes closely, others say it is a routine move by the ministry.

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

In a call Monday, Satterwhite told KPRC 2 it’s all about “employee development.”

One intriguing initiative involves Commander Donna Crawford, who is leading internal affairs and the investigation involving the suspension of more than 4,000 sexual assault cases through the use of a code citing manpower shortages. .

Crawford will lead the gang division, while Jonathon Halliday will move from the command center to patrol the southeast division. Commander Michael Collins will now lead internal affairs while Jim Dale will be transferred from the Westside Division to the command center. Mario Clinton – who is promoted to commander – will be responsible for leading the Westside division.

Crawford’s transfer raises questions as HPD internal affairs had to reopen the investigation into why the department suspended more than 4,000 sexual assault investigations due to staffing shortages.

A week ago, Mayor John Whitmire told KPRC 2 Investigates that he expected the internal affairs investigation into the suspended cases to be completed by July 1.

In early May, investigators had to reopen the case after integrity questions were raised about what Executive Deputy Chief Chandra Hatcher said to former chief Troy Finner in a letter opening the investigation. The Hatcher portion of the investigation — which, again, simply concerned whether or not to attend a meeting — was opened six weeks ago, according to multiple sources.

Satterwhite says it’s “about employee development.”

Mayor Whitmire, in a statement to KPRC 2 Investigates, said, “I have been informed by Acting Police Chief Satterwhite of the command changes he plans to make. Even as interim chief, Satterwhite is responsible for operational and personnel decisions. Changes of command are unrelated to the IAD and independent review, which is an ongoing process. Stay tuned,” Whitmire said.