Houston Police Department

August 22, 2005 -- Chief of Police Harold L. Hurtt is pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Kirk A. Munden to the rank of Assistant Chief. Assistant Chief
Munden, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, previously commanded the Tactical Operations Division, Kingwood Patrol Division, Burglary and Theft Division, and the Southeast Patrol Division. Assistant Chief Munden joined the Houston Police Department in 1981. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1986, Lieutenant in 1990, and Captain in 1995. Assistant Chief Munden graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement and he obtained his law degree from the University of Houston. Assistant Chief Munden is married and the father of 2 children.

Houston City Council member Adrian Garcia, chair of the Public Safety Committee, states, "Chief Munden's experience and knowledge make him well-qualified for this command staff position. Chief Munden brings a fresh perspective and fresh ideas to the leadership at HPD."

New command staff assignments include:

(Name -- Current Assignment -- New Assignment)

F. E. Yorek -- Professional Development -- South Patrol
N. D. Wong -- Office of Inspector General -- Information Services
K. A. Munden -- Tactical Operations Division -- Professional Development

(Name -- Current Assignment -- New Assignment)

D. J. Williams -- Southeast Division -- Tactical Operations
M. R. Fougerousse -- Clear Lake Division -- Southeast Division
W. R. Goralski -- Neighborhood Protection -- Clear Lake
J. G. Jones -- Legislative Liaison -- Legislative / OIG

Also, Chief Hurtt has appointed a committee to study the issue of minority and female career development within the Houston Police Department. Assistant Chief Dorothy Edwards and Captain John Trevino have been tasked with identifying obstacles and developing solutions to increase minority and female candidacy and to facilitate their upward mobility within the management structure of the Houston Police Department.

The promotion and reassignment of personnel will become effective on August 27, 2005.

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.