APPLICATION PROCESS


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 — have additional requirements and follow a slightly different process. If any of these categories apply to you, please review the information provided in the relevant sections or visit the page dedicated to your applicant type for more details.

Click on each phase below to expand and learn more about what to expect at each step of the process.


⚠️ UPON APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION, EXPECT A CALL FROM AN UNKNOWN OR BLOCKED NUMBER. MAKE SURE YOUR PHONE SETTINGS ALLOW THESE CALLS SO YOU DON’T MISS IMPORTANT UPDATES. ⚠️

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.

⚠ Do not submit your application or schedule your interview until all required documents and forms are complete. ⚠



DETERMINE YOUR QUALIFICATION PATH

Determine your qualification path and gather the required documentation to verify eligibility. If you qualify under more than one criterion, you must obtain documentation for each.

You must have 36 months of full-time employment within the last 48 months. (See Requirements page for full details.)

If qualifying based on this criterion:

Please note that the Work Experience Form alone is not sufficient. Employment Verification Letters are required for eligibility review. Employment Verification Letters must meet the requirements outlined at the bottom of the Work Experience Form.

You must have at least 48 semester credit hours from an accredited college or university with a minimum 2.0 GPA. (See Requirements page for full details.)

If qualifying based on this criterion:

  • Order official transcripts from each of your schools before your interview.
    • If they provide sealed envelopes, bring them to your interview without opening them.
    • If they offer digital versions, follow your institution’s instructions to request them and send an official transcript to:
      HPDRecruitingDocuments@houstontx.gov

You must have at least 18 months of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and have received an Honorable Discharge. (See Requirements page for full details.)

If qualifying based on this criterion:

You must have at least 3 years of full-time employment as a TCOLE-licensed peace officer. (See Requirements pagefor full details).

If qualifying based on this criterion:

  • Obtain a copy of your active TCOLE license and any applicable training records.
  • For out-of-state equivalency or more details on licensing please refer to Lateral page.

If you are unsure which qualification path applies to you, schedule a virtual Q&A with a recruiter before scheduling your interview.

PREPARE YOUR APPLICATION PACKET

Before scheduling your interview:

  • Ensure all required documents listed in the Required Documents Checklist are gathered.
  • Confirm all eligibility verification documents are complete.
  • Review your packet for accuracy.

Only schedule your interview once your packet is complete.

COMPLETE REQUIRED FORMS

Complete the following forms:

  1. Personal History Statement (download and typed).
  2. City of Houston NeoGov Application.

Prior military service: Please request your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) and DD214 using the form below. Be sure to include the Houston Police Department – Recruiting Division in section III and list our email address “HPDRecruitingDocuments@houstontx.gov”. Our Fax number is 713-308-1336.

SF180 Request Pertaining to Military Records

Please note that by submitting your application and scheduling an interview, you confirm that all required documents and forms have been completed and gathered.

Note:

  • You will be contacted within 4–5 business days after submitting NeoGov.
  • Interviews are by appointment only (approx. 3 hours).
  • Business attire required.
BRING TO YOUR INTERVIEW

On the day of your Interview, you will go over your eligibility verification documents, all required documentation on the checklist, and all completed forms, as well as additional forms you will be provided upon arrival.

You must bring:

  • Completed Personal History Statement.
  • All eligibility verification documents.
  • All Required Documents Checklist items.
  • Government-issued photo ID.

Applicants who arrive without documents or incomplete forms will be subject to rescheduling.


QUICK LINKS:

  1. Required Documents Checklist
  2. Personal History Statement
  3. Work Experience Form
  4. City of Houston NeoGov Application
  5. SF180 Request Pertaining to Military Records

Once you pass the Initial Interview, you will be scheduled for Phase Two at the Houston Police Department Training Academy. Phase Two typically lasts approximately 4–5 hours.

During Phase Two, you will complete:

  • Physical Agility Test (PAT)
    • 300-Meter Run - Less than 1:20 minutes
    • Push-Ups - Males: 12 | Females: 8
    • 1.5 Mile Run - Less than 18:00 minutes
  • Weapon Compatibility
    • Six trigger pulls with each hand
  • Nelson-Denny Reading Comprehension Test (NDRC)
    • You must pass the reading and vocabulary comprehension test with a minimum score of 67
    • for more information about how to prepare for the NDRC test please visit free resources through Test Prep Review or Checkout this Study Guide 


Upon successful completion of these tests, you will receive instructions for completing your fingerprinting requirement.

Applicants are expected to meet the minimum testing standards. We strongly encourage you to prepare accordingly before applying. To practice the physical agility test visit the Events page for information about the program “Run With Your Recruiter”.



Fingerprinting Process

After Phase Two:

  • You will be provided instructions on how to obtain your fingerprints through the department’s approved vendor.
  • You will receive a discount code so that you are not responsible for payment.
  • You must complete fingerprinting as instructed.
  • After fingerprinting is completed, you must email a photo or copy of your receipt according to the instructions provided.

Once your fingerprint submission is confirmed, the department will automatically be notified, and your application will move forward to the next phase. Fingerprinting should be completed as soon as possible after Phase Two to avoid delays in processing. No additional action is required unless contacted by Recruiting.

After successfully completing Phase Two, your file will be placed in the queue for a polygraph examination.

Scheduling Timeline

Due to limited daily examination capacity, scheduling for the polygraph may take up to 4–8 weeks after completion of Phase Two.

Applicants are scheduled in the order they complete Phase Two. If you do not hear from Recruiting immediately, please understand that this is part of the normal process. You have not been forgotten. A recruiter will contact you when you are next in line to schedule your polygraph appointment.

Please do not attempt to reschedule or request priority placement unless directed by Recruiting.

What to Expect

  • The polygraph examination and post-polygraph interview are conducted on the same day.
  • Phase Three typically lasts approximately 3–4 hours.
  • You will review your Personal History Statement as well as other forms and answer questions related to your background.
  • Dress is business or business casual (no jeans).

Immediately following the polygraph examination, you will participate in a post-polygraph interview.

How to Prepare

  • Review your Personal History Statement before your appointment.
  • Be prepared to discuss your background honestly and thoroughly.
  • Ensure you are well-rested and properly hydrated.
  • Arrive on time.

What Not to Do

  • Do not attempt to research “how to beat” or manipulate a polygraph.
  • Do not withhold or minimize information.
  • Do not consume alcohol or illegal substances prior to your appointment.
  • Do not attempt to alter or update your Personal History Statement without notifying Recruiting.

The polygraph process is designed to verify consistency and honesty. Preparation should focus on accuracy and transparency — not strategy.

You will continue to receive email updates throughout the process as your application progresses.

Phase Four consists of a comprehensive background investigation conducted by an assigned Background Investigator.

On average, this phase takes approximately 10–20 business days to complete. Timelines may vary depending on the responsiveness of the applicant and third-party references (employers, schools, personal references, etc.).

What to Expect

During this phase, your investigator will conduct a detailed review of your:

  • Personal history
  • Employment history
  • Residential history
  • Social Media Profiles
  • Criminal history
  • Military service (if applicable)
  • References and personal contacts

Investigators and supervisors carefully review your Personal History Statement and all previously submitted documentation to ensure consistency, accuracy, and completeness.

As part of the background investigation, your assigned investigator will contact references, employers (past and present), personal associates, and other relevant parties associated with the categories listed above. These contacts are a routine part of the verification process and are conducted to confirm the accuracy and consistency of the information provided in your application materials.

Applicants are encouraged to notify their references and employers that they may be contacted.

Consistency & Clarification

All information provided throughout the application process must align and flow logically. If discrepancies, gaps, or unclear details are identified, you may be contacted to provide clarification or submit additional documentation. Requests for clarification are a normal part of the process and do not automatically indicate a problem.

Your Responsibility During Phase Four

  • Respond promptly to investigator communications.
  • Provide any requested documentation as soon as possible.
  • Inform your references and employers that they may be contacted.
  • Continue monitoring your email regularly.

Delays in responding to investigator requests may extend your processing time.

Important

Honesty, transparency, and consistency are critical during this phase. The background investigation is designed to verify eligibility and assess suitability for appointment as a Houston Police Officer.

Reporting Changes

Applicants are required to immediately notify their assigned Background Investigator of any significant changes that occur during the investigation process, including but not limited to:

  • New employment or termination of employment
  • Change of residence
  • New arrests, citations, or legal matters
  • Military status changes
  • Any corrections or updates to previously submitted information

Failure to report changes may result in delays or disqualification.

Phase Five begins only after your Background Investigation has been successfully completed without disqualifying factors.

You will be notified by your assigned Background Investigator when your file advances to this stage.

Scheduling Process

Once cleared for Phase Five:

  • A designated scheduler will contact you to schedule your psychological examination with the Psychological Services Division.
  • You will also receive instructions regarding your medical examination location and requirements.

These examinations are conducted independently of the Recruiting Division.

Appointments are typically scheduled on the same day. Please plan for a full day of testing.

Time Commitment

  • Medical Examination: Approximately 5-7 hours
  • Psychological Examination: Approximately 4–5 hours

Please arrive on time. Late arrivals may result in rescheduling and delays.

Required Documentation

You must print and bring the completed City of Houston Medical Questionnaire to your medical appointment.

Failure to bring the completed questionnaire may result in rescheduling.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, please bring them with you.

Important

Applicants must continue to monitor email and phone communications during this phase. Failure to respond promptly to scheduling communications may delay processing.

Phase Six is the final administrative review of your completed application file.

This phase begins only after:

  • Your Background Investigation has been completed without disqualifying factors
  • You have been found acceptable by Psychological Services
  • You have been medically cleared

Internal Review Process

Upon receiving your medical and psychological results with an acceptable result, your assigned Background Investigator will conduct a final review of your complete file to ensure all documentation is accurate, complete, and consistent.

The file is then reviewed through the chain of command within the Recruiting Division. At any stage of this review process, supervisors may request additional clarification, documentation, or corrections before forwarding the file.

File preparation and internal review typically take approximately 2–3 business days, depending on complexity.

Chief of Police Review

Once finalized, your complete file and investigative summary are forwarded through the department’s executive chain of command. This executive review process generally takes approximately 15–18 days .

Final Notification

Once approved by the Chief of Police, you will be formally notified and provided with information regarding reporting dates and next steps.

Important

Applicants should continue monitoring email and phone communications during this phase. No additional action is required unless contacted.