Houston police chief invites officers from defunded departments across country to serve in his force

August 20, 2020 Amber Coakley US 0

File – Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo speaks to the media. (Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via AP)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 9:01 AM PT – Thursday, August 20, 2020

Houston’s police chief has invited officers from defunded departments to join his force. Police Chief Art Acevedo delivered that message earlier this week while welcoming new cadets in a police academy graduation ceremony speech.

Acevedo noted that defunding departments will “impact the safety of the American people” and referenced places like Austin, Texas, which is slashing $150 million from its force.

The police chief added that while cities across the U.S. are making budget cuts to their departments, Houston is adding nearly 400 new officers.

“People of Houston, they don’t want less policing, they want better policing and well trained police officers,” he stated. “We’re excited about the restoration of five classes while places like Austin are significantly cutting resources.”

Are you currently employed by another agency BUT would like a change? The Houston Police Department wants YOU! Details coming soon… You Can Make A Difference! #houstonpolice #fox26newshouston #abc13eyewitness #khou #kprc2 pic.twitter.com/CWr6mKwNfh

— HPD Recruiting (@hpdcareer) August 18, 2020

Acevedo said the need for police officers is now as important as ever and slammed budget cuts to departments as “knee-jerk political” decisions rather than ones based off “evidence or research.”