Acting Chief of Police
Larry J. Satterwhite

Larry J. Satterwhite
Acting Chief of Police
Biography

Larry J. Satterwhite is a veteran leader in law enforcement, with over 34 years of service with the Houston Police Department (HPD), the fourth largest police force in the United States and the most diverse city in the nation. Currently, he serves as Acting Chief of Police.

As a leader who believes in building trust both within the department and with the community, Chief Satterwhite has a track record of leading by example and solving problems from the front lines.

Chief Satterwhite began his career with HPD on January 22, 1990 and has since gained extensive experience across various divisions including Patrol, Investigations, SWAT, Criminal Intelligence, Special Operations, and Homeland Security.

Chief Satterwhite holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master's in Strategic Leadership. He is an alumnus of prestigious programs like the FBI National Academy, Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), and the Police Executive Leadership Institute (PELI). His career has also taken him across the globe to share insights on law enforcement and learn from international experiences. He has visited China, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Kosovo, and Israel to engage in police exchanges and counter-terrorism seminars.

Before joining HPD, Chief Satterwhite served in the United States Navy, enlisting in the United States Naval Reserves in 1988 and attending basic training in San Diego, California. He completed SEABEE training as an Equipment Operator and returned to Texas to complete his bachelor's degree while fulfilling his duties as a reservist, receiving an honorable discharge in 1995.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Satterwhite played a critical role in coordinating HPD's response, serving as the incident commander to manage and mitigate the viral threat. He was instrumental in establishing the first federally supported Community-Based Testing Sites (CBTS) in Houston and setting up some of the initial mass vaccination sites.

Some of his achievements include managing security for major events such as Super Bowl 51, the Houston Marathon for the past ten years, and multiple World Series events. He was also instrumental in overseeing the police response during the protests following the death of George Floyd and played a key role as the incident commander during Hurricane Harvey, one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history.

Chief Satterwhite is a devoted family man, married with two adult children. His leadership philosophy centers on nurturing talent and fostering relationships to ensure success for both individuals and the organization. He believes that true leadership is about understanding and empowering those around you.