Houston police chief McClelland to resign

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - “I want to thank Chief McClelland for his 39 years of service to the City,” said Mayor Turner. “He is a respected figure in the community who has served this city well and has many accomplishments of which to be proud.  The city’s crime rate during his tenure is lower than it was for the previous six years and citizen complaints filed against our officers are at a record low.”

During his administration, Chief McClelland managed the fifth largest police agency in the U.S. with a budget of more than $825 million and a staff of 5,200 sworn officers and 1,200 civilian employees.

"This is a decision that was reached after much personal thought and consultation with my family,” said McClelland. “It was not an easy decision, but I know it is the right decision for me personally. I am leaving HPD in a better place than it was six years ago.”

Mayor Turner has not yet appointed an interim chief.