The Chicano Squad was a specialized unit within the Houston Police Department formed in the late 1960s. Comprised of Mexican-American detectives, the unit aimed to bridge the gap between the Houston PD and the city's growing Latino community. They tackled violence and homicides, but also focused on building trust with the Hispanic residents who often felt underserved and even discriminated against by the police force. The Chicano Squad's work proved successful, leading to a decline in crime rates and an improved relationship between the Houston PD and the Latino community.