The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) proudly marks a significant milestone as another of its esteemed alumni, Troy Finner, is appointed as Houston’s Chief of Police. This appointment underscores UHCL’s pivotal role in shaping law enforcement leaders, reinforcing the sentiment echoed by Professor Everette Penn of Criminology: “UHCL is the place where police chiefs are made.”
For the second time in just over a decade, Houston has turned to a UHCL graduate to helm its police department. Troy Finner, who earned his Master of Arts in Criminology from UHCL in 2009, was unanimously confirmed by the Houston City Council on March 24th. This elevation of Finner, a dedicated 31-year veteran of the Houston Police Department (HPD), follows the departure of former Chief Arthur Acevedo.
Image alt: Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, a UHCL Criminology alumnus, stands beside Professor Everette Penn at University of Houston-Clear Lake, highlighting UHCL’s role in developing law enforcement leaders.
Adding to UHCL’s legacy in law enforcement leadership, Finner’s predecessor, Charles McClelland, Jr., who served as HPD Chief from 2010 to 2016 and is a distinguished UHCL alumnus, also hails from the same esteemed institution. This repeated selection of UHCL alumni for Houston’s top law enforcement position speaks volumes about the quality and relevance of the university’s Criminology program.
Professor Everette Penn emphasizes that Finner’s appointment reflects the Criminology program’s commitment to bridging academic theory with practical application. “Our curriculum is meticulously designed to equip students with a profound understanding of Houston’s diverse communities,” Penn explains. He further elaborates on the program’s approach, citing courses like ‘Race and Crime,’ which are instrumental in fostering critical perspectives on diversity, race, and class within the criminal justice system. This approach ensures graduates are prepared to promote equality and effective leadership in law enforcement and related fields.
A key area of focus for Chief Finner, as noted by Professor Penn, is strengthening the relationship between Houston’s youth and the police force. Reflecting on the events of 2020, Penn highlights the urgency and opportunity for progress. UHCL’s minor in Youth and Police Studies, offering experiential learning opportunities through the Teen and Police Service Academy (TAPS), stands as a proactive initiative in this direction. Professor Penn is optimistic that with Chief Finner’s leadership, Houston can emerge as a national exemplar in youth-police relations.
Professor Penn underscores Chief Finner’s commitment to building bridges and fostering trust. He views UHCL’s Criminology program and the minor in Youth and Police Studies as vital in cultivating these essential relationships. He expresses confidence that Houston, under Finner’s guidance, is poised to become a model for enhanced youth and police collaborations. “We are truly excited to see him in this leadership role,” Penn states.
Beyond Finner and McClelland, UHCL’s influence extends to other key law enforcement positions, including Pedro Lopez, Jr., Chief of Police at Houston Independent School District, further solidifying UHCL’s reputation as a breeding ground for police leadership.
Professor Penn concludes, “UHCL is indeed the place where police chiefs are made,” reiterating the university’s distinguished contribution to law enforcement leadership in Houston and beyond.
For those interested in exploring the comprehensive Criminology program and the innovative Youth and Police Studies minor at UHCL, further details are readily available online, showcasing the Uh Clear Lake E Services and resources accessible to prospective students.
