The summary provides an overview of the Houston Police Department's basic police officer training program:
The six-month training program at the Houston Police Department Academy prepares cadets for a career in law enforcement through rigorous academic and physical training. Cadets receive a salary while attending the academy daily, but do not live on site. Upon graduation, all new officers complete a six-month probationary period that includes 12-16 weeks of field training. A police officer's first duty assignment is typically as a patrol officer.
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Basic Police Office Training Program
1. Basic Police Office Training Program
Provider:HoustonPolice Department
About the Academy:
The Houston Police Department’sTrainingAcademypreparescadetsforacareer inlaw enforcement
througha rigoroussix monthacademicand physical training program.Cadetsreceive asalarywhile
attendingthe academy.
Cadetsdo notlive at the academybuttravel back and forthfor trainingeachday.
Date: Monday – Friday
Due to the intensive trainingprogram,cadetsare notallowedtoholdothertypesof employmentor
attendothereducational classeswhileattendingthe academy.
Upon graduation,all newofficersare onprobationforsix monthsandare assignedtothe FieldTraining
Officer(FTO) Programfor12 to 16 weeks.A police officer’sfirstdutyassignmentisasa patrol officer.
Training Location: 17000 Aldine WestfieldRoad,Houston,TX77073
Requirements:
You musthave at leastone of the followingthree qualifications:
1) At least48 semesterhoursof creditfromanaccreditedcollege oruniversitywithatleasta2.0
grade pointaverage (please note:“developmental”or“remedial”classesdonotcounttowards
the minimum48 credithours);OR
2) A minimumof 18 monthsactive dutyinthe UnitedStatesarmedforcesandreceivedan
honorable discharge;OR
3) At leastfive yearsof full-timeemploymentasa peace officerlicensedbyTCOLEor an equivalent
licensingentityinanotherstate.
Additionally,you:
Must be betweenthe agesof 20 ½ - 44 yearsof age (applicantsmustbe 21 priorto graduatingthe
academyand mustnot turn 45 priorto graduatingthe academy).
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must neverhave beenconvictedof orreceivedcommunitysupervisionforaClassA Misdemeanoror
Felony.
Must not have beenconvictedof orreceivedcommunitysupervisionforaClassB Misdemeanorwithin
the past 10 years.
Must pass the Physical AgilityTest.
Must pass a readingcomprehensiontest.
Must have a validdriver’slicenseandproof of liabilityinsurance.
2. Drivingrecordshouldreflectprudence andmaturity.
Formermilitarypersonnel mustnothave beenconvictedof anycourt-martial higherthanasummary.
Must have a stable employmentandcredithistory,Please note:anyaccountsincollectionsmustbe
resolvedpriortosubmittingyourapplication,(lettersfrombusinesses showingaccountpaidinfull or
paymentarrangementsmade willbe acceptable).
To reviewspecificmedicalconditionsthatmayimpactyourapplication,pleaseclickhere toview
SPECIFICMEDICAL GUIDELINES.
Tattoos andBody Art:Departmentpolicystatesthatnoofficerwill have tattoosand/orbodyartthat
cannot be coveredbyofficial uniformand/orplainclothesattire.If youhave tattoosorbodyart that
cannot be coveredbythe official HPDuniformandyouare notwillingtohave themremoved,youwill
not be consideredforemployment.
SpecificMedical Guidelines:
The COH/HPD adoptsthe current policywiththe followingadditions:
Vision- Must be correctable to20/20 or betterwithuncorrectedvisionof 20/200 or better.Monocular
visionisan automaticdisqualifier.
ColorVision - Applicantmustbe able todistinguishthe full spectrumof colorvisionbypassingthe color
visiontest.Anyapplicantwhocompletesthe colorvisiontestwithtwoormore crossingsinthe same
directionisautomaticallydisqualified.The use of a X-Chromcontactlense(s),redfiltersoranyother
similarcolorvisioncorrectingprostheticdevice isnotpermitted.
Hearing- Hearinglevelsshouldbe testedfrom500HZ to 6000HZ.
Minimumhearingstandardsforapplicants are generallyconcernedwithhearinglossinthe normal
speechhearingfrequencies(500,1000, and 2000 HZ.).
Pure tone hearinglossinthe worstear be no greaterthan the following:
Frequency500HZ 1000HZ 2000HZ 3000HZ
Decibel 25db25db 25db 35db
A lossof no greaterthan 30db at anyone of the firstthree frequencies,andaverage of fourfrequencies
no greaterthan30db.
Hearingaids:Candidateswearinghearingaidswillbe heldtothe same hearingacuitycriteriaasnon-
hearingaidusers.Use of hearing aidstoachieve suchstandardsare permittedaslongastheyare self-
containedandfitwithin(auricular) orbehindorover(postauricular) the ear.Candidateswithhearing
aidsshall at theirownexpense,provideevidence fromalicensedaudiologist,thatsuchaid(s) meetthe
stipulatedmanufacturer’sstandards.
US MILITARY VETERANS’ INFO:
The HoustonPolice Departmentappreciatesandvaluesthe service performedbymembersof the
UnitedStatesmilitary.If youhave servedatleast18 monthsof active dutyinthe US ArmedForcesand
3. receivedanHonorable Discharge,your48 hourcollege requirementwill be waivedinaccordance with
TCOLE Peace OfficerMinimumStandards.However,anHonorable discharge isrequired.If youhave
receivedaGeneral Discharge UnderHonorable Conditionsthenyoumustpossess48 semesterhours
froman accreditedcollege oruniversity.
The HoustonPolice DepartmentTrainingAcademyiscertifiedforfull-time Veteran’sAdministration
EducationBenefits.Militarypersonnelwhoare eligibleforG.I.Bill benefitsmayreceiveanadditional
educational stipendupto$1,600.00 permonthfrom the Veteran’sAdministrationwhile beingtrained
as a police officer.These benefitsare paidduringthe six monthsof attendance atthe TrainingAcademy
and alsowhile youare assignedtothe FieldTrainingOfficerProgram.
You may visitthe Departmentof VeteransAffairssite atwww.va.gov/tolearnmore aboutyourG.I. Bill
benefits.However,eachcandidate shouldnotcomplete anyforms/paperwork priortoattendingthe
academy.All forms/paperworkwill be completedwiththe HoustonPolice DepartmentVeteranAffairs
CertifyingOfficial,whoresidesatthe HPDAcademy.If any have anyfurtherquestionsplease call (281)
230-2427.
The HoustonPolice Departmentisaproudparticipantinthe ArmyPaYS (PartnershipforYouthSuccess)
and Warriorsfor Life.If youparticipatedinthe ArmyPaYS Programplease reviewitseligibility
requirements.Forthose marinesandsailorsinterestedinparticipatinginthe WarriorsforLife,youmay
reviewitsM4L Program information.
ApplicationProcess:
Clickon the buttonsbelowtolearnmore abouteachphase.Please note,the applicationprocesswill
take approximately90daysto complete.Out-of-stateapplicantswillbe requiredtotravel toHouston
one time inorderto complete the applicationprocess.
1.) Phase 1:
a. The firststepis to prepare the applicationpacket,whichconsistsof the 19 original
documentslistedbelow,inadditiontothe requiredphotocopies.The copiesmust
be of the original documentandshouldnotbe enlargedorreduced(exceptfor
copiesof college degreeslargerthan8½” x 11”). Small documents,likesocial
securitycardsand driver’slicenses,shouldbe centeredinthe middleof the page.All
documentsmustreflectthe name anddate of birthas shownonyour birth
certificate ormarriage license.Pleasescroll downonthe page tosee the complete
listof all 19 original documents.
b. Original certifiedbirthcertificate fromthe Bureauof Vital Statistics(plus3
photocopies)
c. Original highschool diploma,certifiedhighschool transcriptorGED (plus2
photocopies)
d. Certifiedcollegetranscriptfromeachcollege attended(sealedoriginals)
e. Original collegedegreeif applicable (plus2photocopies)
f. Original naturalizationpapersif applicable(plus3photocopies)
g. Original U.S.MilitaryDD-214 forall past and currentactive dutystatus,if applicable
(plus3 photocopies)
4. h. Original U.S.MilitaryNGB-22 forall pastand currentactive dutystatus, if applicable
(plus3 photocopies)
i. Original Divorce PetitionandFinal Divorce Decreeif applicable (plus1photocopyof
each)
j. Validdriver'slicense withcurrentaddressorreceiptforchange of addressor
renewal.If married,itmustbe inyourmarriedname (3 photocopiesof driver’s
license plus1photocopyof the driver’slicenseandsocial securitycardonthe same
page)
k. Original social securitycardor receiptforduplicate request;musthave correct
spellingof yourname,andif married,itmusthave yourmarriedname (plus3
photocopies)
l. Original proof of autoliabilityinsurance.Mustbe currentandreflectyourname as
insured.If not,a letter/policywill be neededfrominsurance agentstatingyouare
covered(plus1photocopy)
m. Peace officer’srecordsif applicable (plus2photocopies)
n. CreditreportfromCreditBureauServices.Toobtainyourcreditreport,submitthe
completedcreditreportrequestform, acopy of your driver’slicense,and$15.00 to
CreditBureauServices,eitherbymail orinperson(if mailed,use amoneyorder
payable toCreditBureauServicesorif deliveredinperson,cashorcreditcards are
accepted).Formore information,view the creditreportrequestformorcall Credit
BureauServicesat(936) 756-7741 or toll free at1-888-524-0574. Youare required
to deliveryoursealedcreditreportIN PERSON toHPD Recruiting(donothave it
mailedtoour offices).NOOTHERCREDIT BUREAU AGENCY REPORT WILL BE
ACCEPTED.An additional creditreportmaybe obtainedfor$2.00 from Credit
BureauServices.Thiswill allow youtoview yourcreditreportandbringin any
supportingdocumentsorpayany itemslistedincollections,priortoschedulinga
Phase One interview.
o. Last 2 payroll checkstubs(plus1 photocopyof each)
p. Physical AgilityTest Self-EvaluationForm
q. CompletedPersonal HistoryStatement
r. Printedcopyof the completedNeoGovCityof HoustonApplication
s. Once you have all requireddocuments,youshouldscheduleaninterview byclicking
on the “Schedule AnInterview”buttonbelow.Youwillbringall of yourdocuments
withyouto the interview.Interviewsare conductedbyappointmentonlyatHPD’s
RecruitingCenterlocatedat1219 Milam, Houston,TX 77002, and shouldtake
approximately2-3hours.Please note thatyourapplicationpacketwill notbe
acceptedor consideredcomplete until all requireddocumentshave beensubmitted
duringyourinitial interview.
2.) Phase 2:
a. Once you have passedthe initial interview,youwillbe scheduledtotake areading
comprehensiontestandmeetwitharecruitinginvestigator.PhaseTwowill take
approximately4-5hours.
3.) Phase 3:
a. Physical AgilityTest(PAT):
5. i. 1.5 Mile Run,17:30 minutesorless
ii. 300 MeterSprint,78 secondsorless
iii. Vertical Jump,16.5 inchesor more
iv. Push-ups,15 or more
v. AgilityRun,20 seconds or less
vi. WeaponsCompatibility,6triggerpullswitheachhand
b. We encourage youtophysicallyprepare forthistestpriortoany attemptand
recommendthatyouconsulta physicianpriortoundertakinganyrigoroustraining
program.If youdo not believe you are able topassthistest,you shouldnotsubmit
your applicationuntilyoufeel youcanmeetall of the physical agilityrequirements.
Phase Three will take approximately3hours.
4.) Phase 4:
a. Once you have passedthe Physical AgilityTest,youwill be scheduledfor
fingerprintingandapolygraphexamination.Immediatelyfollowingthe exam,you
will reporttothe HPD RecruitingOffice locatedat1200 Travis,Suite 1300 for your
final interview.Professional businessattire isrequired.PhaseFourwill take
approximately4hours.
5.) Phase 5:
a. An extensivebackgroundinvestigationwillbe conductedonyourpersonal,family,
financial,employment,credit,andresidential history.
6.) Phase 6:
a. DuringPhase Six,youwill be scheduledforamedical anda psychological
examination.Itisimportanttoreporton time to these appointments.If youwear
glassesorcontacts, please make sure tobringthemto yourappointment.Please
allow7 hoursfor the medical examinationand4-5hours forthe psychological exam.
7.) Phase 7:
a. Pendingthe successfulcompletionof all the previousphases,yourapplicationfile
will gothrougha final review processandbe submittedtothe Chief of Police for
final approval.
b. Placementintothe Police TrainingAcademyiscontingentuponpassingall seven
recruitingphasesandthe availabilityof positionsinscheduledcadetclasses.
Duties:
As an officer,youmaybe requiredtoperformthe followingdutieswhileservingthe community:
1.) Patrol an assignedareabyfoot,bicycle or vehicle toenforce city,state,andfederal laws;
investigatesuspiciousactivities,individualsorconditions;andrespondtocallsforassistance or
protection.
2.) Pursue a fleeingsubjectonfootthroughunfamiliarandvariedterrainorbuildingsduringboth
day andnightby running,jogging,climbingoverand/orthroughobstacles.
3.) Subdue a resistingorviolentsubjectbyphysical contactoruse of appropriate weaponsand
tools.
4.) Forcibly,andsometimesagainststrongresistance,applyhandcuffsandotherrestraintswhile in
variousbodypositions.
6. 5.) Safelyoperate apolice vehicle inall typesof traffic,weather,lightingconditionsand,when
necessary,above postedspeedlimits.
6.) Arrestor control a subjectaftera lengthypursuitand/orphysical struggle.
7.) Approacha subjectof illegal activityandif necessary,pursue,wrestle,orfightwithasubjectin
orderto apprehend,detain,orcontrol subjectforthe purpose of makinganarrestor
maintaininglawandorder.
8.) Physicallyremove asubjectfroma vehicle orbuildingandplace ina patrol vehicle bysecurely
graspingor holdingsubject,dragging,lifting,and/orcarryingsubject.
9.) Enter andexitvehiclesquicklytoperformrescue,arrest,oremergencyoperations.
10.)Determine type andamountof appropriate force touse to apprehend subject.
11.)Operate standardweapons(handgun,shotgun,baton,chemical agentorotherdepartmental
providedweapon)toenforce law,detainasubject,orprotectthe life of self orothersin
situationsthatjustifythe use of force ordeadlyforce.
12.)Conductsearchesof buildings,vehicles,outdoorareas,persons,andotherobjectsusingvision,
touch,hearing,andsmell tofindor detectpotential weapons,contrabandevidence,hazards,
and stolenpropertyorto findlostpersonsorobjectsforthe purpose of seizing,investigating
and/orrescue.
13.)Assistorrescue individualsinneedof aidorprotectionasa resultof an accidentora crime.
14.)Investigate andcontrol the scene of atrafficaccidentto determine cause,andprotectlife and
property.
15.)Control anddirecttrafficin situationsrequiringhumaninterventionsuchasaccidents,traffic
signal failure,unusuallyheavytrafficconditions,oradverse weatherconditionstoensure the
publicsafetyof individualsandproperty.
16.)Enforce trafficlawsand regulationsbyissuingcitationsorwarningstoindividualswhocommit
violationsoroffenses.
17.)Remaincalm,composed,undistracted,andinfull control of cognitiveabilitieswhilefunctioning
appropriatelyinhostile,dangerous,orfrighteningsituationsthatmay require use of deadly
force.
18.)Maintainrational decision-makingandself-control insituationsorenvironmentsthatare
personallyoffensive (casesof childabuse,childmolestation,sexual assault,extremetraumaor
death,etc.) or whichinvolve considerablestress,danger,personalrisk,violence,hostility,orthe
use of force.
19.)Maintaincomposure andexercise restraintwhenverballyorphysicallyprovokedinhostile or
violentenvironments.
20.)Provide testimonyandprotectthe rights,property,andvaluables of othersinatruthful and
honestmannerwithoutabusingthe authorityorintegrityof the position.
21.)Gather informationincriminalinvestigationstodocumentfactsandevidence.Prepare accurate
and detailedreportsbysearchingthe scene andbyinterviewingvictims,witnessesandsuspects.
22.)Communicate orallyandmanuallyusingradio,telephone,andMobile DataComputerstogive
and obtaininformation,directions,instructions,and/orcommandsinordertoprovide
assistance,buildcommunityrapport,protectthe public,andmake arrests.
23.)Interactwitha varietyof people functioninginvariousemotional statestomanage
interpersonalconflicts,developcommunityrelations,resolve orstopcriminal activity,obtainor
give information,issue citations,counsel andgive aid,ormaintainorderandprovide service.
7. 24.)Enter intodangeroussituationsandconfronthazardsina logical andmature manner.
25.)The followingphysical activitieshave beenlinkedtothe essential jobfunctionsof apolice
officer:
a. Running
b. LiftingandCarrying
c. MovingNon-Resisters
d. ControllingResisters
e. Wrestling/Physical Struggles
f. Draggingand Pulling
g. Climbing
h. Jumping
i. Fighting
j. Standing
k. Sitting
l. Ridinga bicycle
Salary:
Cadet: $42,000 - $46,000
Police Officer: $49,831 - $95,676
Sr. Police Office: $86,224 - $102,263
Police Sergeant: $88,649 - $113,866
Police Lieutenant: $98,097 - $122,638
Police Captain: $117,128 - $136,742
Benefits:
1.) Timeoff:
a. Afterthe firstyearof employment,officerswillaccrue upto 41 paiddays off and
increase upto 61 paiddays off peryearplus11 paid holidays.
2.) Insurance:
a. Excellent,affordable healthinsurancesubsidizedbythe Cityof Houston.Alsoincludes
optional dental andvisioninsurance.
3.) Retirement:
a. Definedbenefitpensionplanwithearlyretirementoptionsandvariousdeferred
compensationplansare available.
4.) Education:
a. Tuitionreimbursementandeducationexemptionsare available.