HPD Cuts Officers' Overtime

HOUSTON - Today is the beginning of the fiscal year for the city of Houston.

And the head of the police union says it could also be the beginning of a crime wave. This comes after Houston city officials slashed $14 million dollars from HPD's overtime budget. Houston Police Union President Gary Blankenship says the overtime dollars were used to fill the gaps on the streets.

In other words, Blankenship says we can expect more crime because there will be less of a police presence on the ground. He and other officers point to areas like downtown Houston where overtime dollars were used to patrol main streets and address the homeless issue.

Officials with the Houston police department say not so fast.

They issued this statement saying, "HPD will rely on the expertise of its officers, technology such as our Crime Center, and our partnerships with other agencies to make certain the people of Houston remain safe."