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Houston has become a prime example of not only the spread of crime but also our inability to catch and prosecute those who commit it. This is due in large part to the fact that when the system becomes so backed up with old cases, criminals come to realize that they can get away with even major crimes.
Doug Griffith with the HPD Officers Union told KTRH that as of right now, there are over 900 people on bond for capital murder roaming the streets of Houston and Harris County. Small-time criminals see this and realize that if crimes like murder aren't being prosecuted, small-time property crime definitely won't be.
On top of that, Griffith says HPD doesn't have the resources to keep up with the barrage of incoming cases. Additionally, they are having to divert resources back to old cases due to the "lack of personnel" scandal.
Griffith says the solutions here are simple: We need prosecutors who will do their jobs, as well as more funding and resources for HPD so they can properly patrol and protect the city of Houston. He also says HPD needs to be honest with citizens about which crimes we can and cannot investigate further.