Houston Police Department Career Opportunities

The Badge Means You Care

If you are looking for a rewarding and meaningful career, if you want to be a positive role model for your community, and if you want to make a real difference in people's lives ... then the Houston Police Department is the place for you. HPD has an on-going need for police officers who are committed to public service, professionalism, and peaceful neighborhoods. Show that you care ... wear the badge of the Houston Police Officer.

Shield of Dreams

Houston Police Officers enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, including educational incentive pay, bilingual pay, special duty pay, paid vacations, and paid sick leave. In addition, medical, dental, and retirement plans are available. HPD offers excellent advancement potential and many challenging career opportunities!

The Selection Process

The selection process may take several weeks. All applicants must successfully pass each of the following phases in order to qualify for the academy:

• Applicants meet all HPD Requirements
  
• Civil service Examination is announced
  
• Registration is held
  
• Civil Service Examination is administered
  
• Civil Service Examination is passed
  
• Candidates’ Ranked Eligibility List is passed (Exam Results)
  
• Applicants are interviewed
  
• A Physical Agility Test is passed (click here for info)
  
• A Polygraph Examination is administered
  
• A Final Interview is held
  
• Fingerprints & Photos are taken
  
• Background Investigation is conducted
  
• A Medical Examination & Drug Testing is done
  
• A Psychological Testing & Evaluation is performed
  
• Favorable Applications are hired in rank order based upon exam score

Train With The Best

Your HPD future begins at the Training Academy…a model for the nation. You'll study Community Policing, Evidence Processing, Patrol Procedures, the Penal Code, and much more. Physical fitness, self-defense, driving, and use of firearms are emphasized. After 24 weeks in the academy, you’ll put your new skills to work in our Field Training Program, where you’ll work under the guidance of an experienced officer.

Opportunities

Upon completion of your field training and probationary period, you may apply for a specialized position. Here are a few of the many career opportunities:

• Helicopters
  
• Dive Team
  
• Auto Theft
  
• Bike Patrol
  
• Bomb Squad
  
• Mounted Patrol
  
• Missing Persons
  
• Major Offenders
  
• Truck Enforcement
  
• K-9
  
• Vice
  
• SWAT
  
• Robbery
  
• Juvenile
  
• Homicide
  
• Narcotics
  
• Human Resources
  
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
  
• Solo Motorcycles
  
• Crime Scene Unit
  
• Training Academy
  
• Burglary and Theft
  
• Community Outreach
  
• Traffic and Accident
  
• Criminal Intelligence
  
• Hostage Negotiations