Houston, Texas – The Houston Police Department recently announced the appointment of J. Noe Diaz as their new chief, as Mayor John Whitmire made the formal announcement at city hall. Diaz, a former Texas Ranger and Katy Police Chief, brings over 20 years of law enforcement experience to his new role. He began his career as a correctional officer in 1987 and has since worked for Harris County Precinct 5 and the Narcotics Division for the State Police.
The choice of Diaz as the new leader has received positive feedback from his colleagues, who have praised his skills and adherence to the rules. According to the Houston Police Officers Union President Doug Griffith, sometimes an outsider is needed to bring fresh perspectives and improve the department. Griffith believes that Diaz will do a great job in his new position.
Diaz’s appointment comes after former chief Troy Finner retired amidst the fallout of nearly 264,000 suspended cases due to a “lack of personnel.” Acting Chief Larry Satterwhite was named as the interim chief before Diaz’s official start date on August 14. However, concerns have been raised by the rank and file of the Houston Police Department about the increase in personnel that Diaz will be bringing with him. The Katy Police Department, where Diaz previously served, has 91 employees, while the Houston Police Department has over 6,000.
Retired Texas Rangers Captain Tony Leal, who worked closely with Diaz for 20 years, believes that Diaz is an excellent choice for the position. Leal emphasizes that a leader’s qualities are not dependent on the size of the team they lead, and he believes that Diaz’s experience and fresh perspective will benefit the department. Bringing in someone from outside the department can provide new insights and approaches to improving operations, similar to the practice at the Department of Public Safety.
Diaz’s official start date is pending approval from Houston’s city council. His appointment is expected to bring new energy and leadership to the Houston Police Department, addressing the challenges faced by the department and ensuring the safety and security of the city.
