Police Trainee (Police Classified)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL QUALIFIED PERSONS INTERESTED
Division: *TRAINING ACADEMY/ PATROL
Reporting Location: *17000 ALDINE-WESTFIELD

Workdays and Hours: Various*
*Subject to change

Our Mission

The mission of the Houston Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in the city of Houston by working cooperatively with the public to prevent crimes, enforce the law, preserve the peace, and provide a safe environment.

Why Join HPD

A career with the Houston Police Department is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to serve one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the nation. Whether you’re just beginning to explore law enforcement or are ready to take the next step, HPD offers a path built on professionalism, training, and community service.

So, why join the Houston Police Department?

• Paid academy training
• Competitive pay and benefits
• Opportunities across 45+ divisions

As the fifth largest agency in the nation, HPD sets the bar for professionalism, innovation and a progressive approach to community policing. Our diverse workforce of more than 5,400 officers and 892 civilian support personnel are a dedicated, enthusiastic group of professionals who proudly serve over 2 million Houston residents.

Officers receive a competitive salary with regular increases, city-subsidized insurance, 13 paid holidays plus 35-40 additional paid days off per year, tuition reimbursement, and retirement options including a pension plan with early retirement eligibility. With Houston’s low cost of living, salaries stretch even further than other large cities.

Officers have lateral and promotional opportunities in over 45 divisions. Regardless of the assignment, you will work in an environment that fosters leadership, teamwork and service to the community.

For further information pertaining to the Houston Police Department, please visit: www.hpdcareer.com .

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Police officers with the Houston Police Department serve the community in a wide variety of roles and situations. The duties of an officer are diverse and may involve patrol responsibilities, community engagement, problem-solving, enforcement of laws, and responding to emergencies, often under challenging or unpredictable conditions.

Essential functions, work environment, and operational expectations associated with the role of a Houston Police Department officer are listed on our website. This includes examples of physical and operational duties, typical patrol assignments, work schedules, and an overview of potential career progression within the department.

Applicants are encouraged to review our website carefully as part of their decision to pursue a career with the Houston Police Department.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Newly sworn officers who successfully complete the police academy, field training program, and probationary period are typically assigned to one of fifteen patrol divisions. Patrol assignments are a critical part of an officer’s professional development and provide the foundation for a career in law enforcement.

Newly sworn officers who successfully complete the police academy, field training program, and probationary period are typically assigned to one of fifteen patrol divisions. Patrol assignments are a critical part of an officer’s professional development and provide the foundation for a career in law enforcement.

While assigned to patrol, officers respond to calls for service, investigate incidents, engage with the community, and enforce city and state laws. These daily responsibilities require officers to apply critical thinking, sound judgment, and problem-solving skills in dynamic and often unpredictable situations.

Patrol service provides officers with the practical experience necessary to understand community needs, develop decision-making skills under pressure, and build the operational knowledge required for future assignments within the department.

Officers must serve a minimum of three years in patrol. During this time, officers gain valuable experience handling a wide variety of calls for service, conducting investigations, interacting with diverse communities, and developing the professional skills necessary for specialized assignments later in their careers.

Patrol assignments provide the operational experience and institutional knowledge necessary for advancement and specialized assignments within the Houston Police Department.

After completing their first year of patrol service, officers may request a lateral transfer to another patrol station based on operational needs and available openings.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Must have one of the following four eligibility criteria:

1. COLLEGE EDUCATION: At least 48 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university with at minimum of a 2.0 grade point average;

OR

2. WORK HISTORY: At least three years of full-time employment in the last four years in ANY field.

OR

3. MILITARY SERVICE: A minimum of 18 months active duty in the United States armed forces and received an honorable discharge;

OR

4. PRIOR LAW ENFORCEMENT: At least three years of full-time employment as a peace officer licensed by TCOLE or an equivalent licensing entity in another state.

Additional requirements include:

All applicants must meet the following baseline requirements before applying:

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency
• Must be at least 20½ years old at time of application (must be 21 prior to academy graduation)
• Must be a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized)
  OR
  • An Honorably Discharged Legal Permanent Resident as authorized by Texas Senate Bill 252 (effective September 1, 2023)
• Must have a valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance
• Must have a stable employment history
• Must pass all phases of the application process
• Must meet all Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) minimum standards for enrollment and initial licensure

PREFERENCES

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Houston Police Department is currently accepting applications for upcoming academy classes, which are held approximately every two months. The full application process generally takes 90 to 180 days and includes multiple phases designed to ensure candidates meet all requirements to attend the academy.

Some applicants — such as reinstatements , lateral transfers , military applicants , and out-of-town candidates — may have additional requirements or follow a slightly different process. If any of these categories apply to you, please review the information provided in our webpage dedicated to your applicant type for more details.

Please note that Phase One consists of four required steps that must be completed before your initial interview. These steps ensure you meet minimum qualifications and arrive fully prepared.

You must complete all required forms and gather all supporting and eligibility documentation before scheduling your interview. Applicants who schedule prematurely or arrive without required documents will be subject to rescheduling.

Submitting this NeoGov application is Step 3 of Phase One in the HPD Recruiting Application Process. This application alone does not complete Phase One.

To proceed in the hiring process, applicants must visit HPDCareer.com to review all required documentation, complete all required forms, and follow the additional steps outlined in Phase One.

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
Physical Agility Test
Reading Comprehension Test

Weapon Compatibility Test

Polygraph Examination

Psychological Evaluation

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION
Yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and is subject to drug testing for promotions and certain assignments.

SALARY INFORMATION
Minimum Yearly Compensation (Base pay)

Cadet/Probationary Officer $52,000
First Year Police Officer $78,452

Police Officer (2+ yrs) $80,004 - $121,184
Sr. Police Officer (12+ yrs) $103,323 - $139,946
Sergeant (5+ yrs) $114,645 - $159,928
Lieutenant (7+ yrs) $129,298 - $177,874
Captain (9+ yrs) $ 148,100 - $208,363

The department also has annual incentives such as equipment and clothing allowance, shift and weekend differential pay, patrol and investigator pay, as well as bilingual pay that take effect after probationary period.

OUTSTANDING EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PAY
The department will provide additional pay after graduating from the academy to applicants who have been awarded higher education degrees in any field at the following rates:

Bachelor's Degree $3,640 per year
Master's Degree $6,240 per year
Doctorate Degree $8,840 per year

The department also has a Tuition Reimbursement plan for officers who are interested in obtaining a degree from an accredited university/college. The reimbursement rates shown below are per credit hours:

• $492 for Bachelor (B.A.)
• $541 for Master (M.A.)
• $988 for Master of Business (M.B.A.)
• $541 for Doctorate (Ph.D.)
• $1,175 for Juris Doctor (J.D.)

GENEROUS BENEFIT PACKAGE

• After the first year of employment, officers accrue at least 35 paid days off plus 13 paid holidays.
• Excellent, affordable health insurance subsidized by City of Houston. Including mental health plans, prescription drug plans, dental and vision packages, and optional flexible spending accounts, dependent care reimbursements, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Unparalleled Prenatal, Parental, and Infant Leave plan (up to 160 hrs for prenatal wellness, 480 hours during first year of child’s life, and 40 hours of infant wellness)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Defined benefit pension plan with early retirement options
• Multiple supplemental retirement plans
• Various deferred compensation plans are available.

PROMOTIONAL AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
After an initial three-year period as a patrol officer, an officer will be eligible to apply for transfer to other divisions.

In addition to patrol operations, HPD offers a wide range of career opportunities across multiple commands and specialized units. Officers may pursue assignments that align with their skills, interests, education, and experience in areas such as:

• Field Operations & Patrol
• Criminal Investigations
• Special Victims & Homicide
• Narcotics & Gang Enforcement
• Intelligence & Homeland Security
• Traffic Enforcement & Air Support
• Airport Operations
• Training, Recruiting & Professional Development
• Mental Health Response & Emergency Communications
• Tactical & Specialized Operations

As officers gain experience, they may apply for specialized assignments, promotional opportunities, or leadership roles throughout the department.

All police officers are eligible to take the promotional exam to first line supervisor (Sergeant) after4. 5 years of service. Subsequently, promotional opportunities require a minimum of two years for each rank. See department website for more details.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the HPD Recruiting Division (you will receive a receipt of your submission of this online application to provide to HPD Recruiting personnel when turning in other documents). Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .

All applicants must go to www.hpdcareer.com to obtain and complete the Personal History Statement and all required documents for submission.

TO GET A LIST OF ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MANDATORY FOR DAY OF INTERVIEW, PLEASE GO TO www.hpdcareer.com

All applicants must submit all required forms and documents in person the day of their scheduled interview which will be at the HPD Recruiting Center located at 1219 Milam, Houston, TX 77002.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm orcall the HPD Recruiting Unit at 1-800-252-0473 or 713-308-1300.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the HPD Recruiting Unit will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

All new hires and re-instatements must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical agility test, reading comprehension test, polygraph examinationand verification of information provided.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• Houston Airport System

• 2812331839

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