Police Trainee (Police Classified)

Houston Police Department Officer

Applications accepted from: ALL QUALIFIED PERSONS INTERESTED Division: Training Academy / Patrol Reporting Location: 17000 Aldine Westfield Workdays and Hours: Various Subject to change

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.

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 3540 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.

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.

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.

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: Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency Must be at least 20 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 to three 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 will 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.

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.

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

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

All police officers are eligible to take the promotional exam to first line supervisor (Sergeant) after 4.5 years of service. Subsequently, promotional opportunities require a minimum of two years for each rank. See department website for more details.

Houston Police Department Officer

Applications accepted from: ALL QUALIFIED PERSONS INTERESTED Division: Training Academy / Patrol Reporting Location: 17000 Aldine Westfield Workdays and Hours: Various Subject to change

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.

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 3540 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.

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.

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.

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: Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency Must be at least 20 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 to three 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 will 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.

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.

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

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

All police officers are eligible to take the promotional exam to first line supervisor (Sergeant) after 4.5 years of service. Subsequently, promotional opportunities require a minimum of two years for each rank. See department website for more details.

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