April Media Briefing with Houston Chief of Police Charles A. McClelland, Jr.

March Media Briefing with Houston Chief of Police Charles A. McClelland, Jr.

February 2015 Media Briefing with Houston Chief of Police Charles A. McClelland, Jr.

Question: Why is the Jordan Baker police report is not available?

Chief McClelland: in general by state law, the first page is all that is public in any police report. There are a few exceptions to that rule but I can't release it by state law. 

Question: Can you review your process so judges can call deaf and hard of hearing interpreters to court?

DA Anderson: When I was a judge we had a pool of interpreters to call upon. Nothing should happen in the process until an interpreter arrives. We have equipment also to help with that. I will make sure the court administration knows about this. 

Question: is filing a complaint the only way we can get justice?

Chief McClelland: no it's not. I said we are not perfect. But I need to know what is going on. If it needs to be forwarded to the DA's office then we will. 

Regarding Jordan Baker, we investigated that case, the DA's office investigated that case, and I sent it to the FBI before citizen's asked. Not once was an indictment sent back.

Question: An officer with over 21 complaints was reinstated by arbitration; how can citizens appeal that?

Chief McClelland: the process and procedures that an officer is under regarding complaints is state law. One of the rights is to appeal the discipline decision by arbitrator. If the arbitrator upholds my decision, the officer stays fired. Or the arbitrator could reverse it and they could get their job back. It is binding and their is no appeal.