FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This page is designed to answer common questions about careers with the Houston Police Department, including eligibility requirements, the application process, academy training, and special applicant considerations.
Questions are grouped by category to help you find the information most relevant to your situation. If you are a military applicant, lateral applicant, reinstatement, or have prior law enforcement experience, please review the section that applies to you for additional details. For information on common disqualifiers, please visit our Requirement page or click here.
If you don’t see your question answered here, we encourage you to contact a recruiter for further assistance.
Select a category below to view frequently asked questions
Confirm that you meet all of HPD’s Requirements, then click on Application Process in the menu bar at the top of the page.
No, HPD’s application process remains open in order to fill classes of 75-85 cadets, starting approximately every three months. However, applicants are processed in the order of initial interview dates. Therefore, schedule an initial interview as soon as you meet the requirements and have your required documents.
It depends how many applicants are in the process ahead of you and the start date of the next academy class. Application process can take anywhere between 90-180 business days or sometimes more. Once you have passed all steps of the application process, you will be placed in the next available academy class.
No, the civil service test is administered in the academy.
No, unlike other agencies, HPD places you in the next available academy class.
The number of academy classes each year is set by City Council in the budget process. Due to retirements and attrition, it is anticipated that there will be at least five classes of 75-85 cadets per year for the next several years.
Yes, you will be required to travel to Houston to complete the application process. Visit the Application Process page and the Out-of-state applicants page for more information.
Yes, at HPD, applicants do not compete against other applicants. If you pass all steps of the application process, you will be placed in the next available academy class, even if another applicant has more experience or a higher level of education.
No. We need a wide variety of perspectives and life experiences. We encourage students with all majors to apply to our academy.
Yes, all credits from an accredited college or university count if they are on the official transcript.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or an international college or university evaluated and accepted by a United States accredited college or university.
Yes. All police trainees attend HPD’s paid training academy. However, if you already have a TCOLE license, you will not have to take it again.
You will not have to take the TCOLE test in the academy. If you have a minimum of three years of full-time law enforcement experience, you may qualify for a lateral entry class. Check out the lateral section if you’ve worked as a peace officer in Texas before.
If you fail your first attempt, you will be scheduled for a second attempt to take the test. If you fail the second attempt, you will be removed from the process and will be ineligible to reapply for three months. If you have concerns about your ability to pass the Physical Agility Test, we encourage you to visit a Run with my Recruiter Event as many times as you need to continue to work on your skills. Visit our Events page for details.
No, do not submit your application until you are able to pass the PAT. There are online tools to assist you in preparing for the PAT. Also, Run with Your Recruiter events are held twice a month to help you prepare. Visit our Events page for details.
Drug usage is not an automatic disqualifier. Not being honest about drug usage is an automatic disqualifier. Drug usage will be reviewed as part of the application process.
Tattoos and body art will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. However, there shall be no visible tattoos or body art located on the neck or above the neck, regardless of the content.
No, once you have determined eligibility criteria, gathered all required documents, completed all required forms, and applied to the position through NeoGov, a recruiter will contact you to schedule an interview. If you have any questions or have not heard from anyone in mover than two weeks, please reach out to the Recruiting Division directly.
Yes, this document must be TYPED and fully completed.
All sections of the Personal History Statement should be completed. If, after a thorough search you are truly unable to locate information, you will be asked to provide a statement during your initial interview. That statement will be reviewed as part of the application process.
The Personal History Statement is in an fillable adobe PDF. If you’re having trouble inputting information into the required fields there may be an issue with your computer or software. We recommend trying a different computer or updating your software. Please note, the Personal History Statement must be TYPED.
Applicants will take a Nelson-Denny reading comprehension test which consists of two main parts: vocabulary and reading comprehension section. The Vocabulary section contain 80-100 multiple choice questions that must be completed in 15 minutes. The Reading Comprehension section is based on several short passages that must be read before answering multiple choice questions. You will be given 20 minutes to read and answer questions about the passages. The minimum passing score is 67.
No, however, you must have a current driver’s license and must have a valid Texas driver’s license prior to the start of the academy.
Yes, cadets are paid bi-weekly while in the academy. Click on Benefits in the menu bar above to see salary information.
No, as a cadet in the academy and as a probationary police officer, you are not permitted to attend college or have employment outside of the academy, even on your days off. For Military personnel, please see Military Welcome section.
No, the City of Houston and the surrounding areas offer affordable, wonderful communities that fit all types of lifestyles; including urban, suburban and rural. However, commute times must not affect attendance and punctuality.
Yes, see the Benefits page for degrees covered and bi-weekly payment amounts.
Yes, HPD offers tuition reimbursement for officers who successfully complete college credit hours at an accredited college or university, for both undergraduate and graduate study.
Yes.
HPD is the fifth largest agency in the nation and offers more opportunities for advancement and work diversity than smaller agencies. Our benefits are competitive and, in most cases exceed that of other agencies. When comparing other agencies, consider the length and ease of the application process, as well as the wait time for employment. HPD offers one of the shortest application process times of any large agency and employment begins with the next available academy class.
Living in Houston has its advantages. A tropical year-round climate which increases the quality of life for its residents, a low cost of living, a diverse population and thriving communities make Houston an ideal place to call home. Visit our Houston page.
Our dispatchers are invaluable members of our HPD team. Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, but aren’t sure if being an officer is the route you want to take, or if you need to establish work history, consider applying for a job as a dispatcher. The official job title is “911 Senior Police Telecommunicator (SPTC)” and the job description and information on how to apply can be found on the City of Houston Job Opportunities website. Additionally, HPD has multiple civilian employment opportunities, including areas such as administrative, IT, records, and budget and finance.
No. The Houston police department has a mandatory three year commitment to patrol operations. Patrol assignments are a critical part of an officer’s professional development and provide the foundation for a career in law enforcement. After officers complete this requirement, they will be eligible to apply for any open vacancy within investigations divisions, specialized enforcement units, tactical operations, community engagement assignments, or many other areas of the department. Please visit our “The Job” or “Career Opportunities” page for more details.
Patrol assignments provide the foundation for a career in law enforcement. In addition to the foundational knowledge previously discussed, an officer’s first three years of patrol service provides opportunities to build professional relationships, identify areas of interest, and explore potential career paths within the department. Officers may work alongside specialized units, participate in training programs, and gain exposure to different operational divisions. Please visit our “The Job” or “Career Opportunities” page for more details.
Many officers use their patrol assignment time to seek mentorship, attend advanced training courses, and develop the knowledge and experience needed for future assignments. These experiences help officers determine which areas of policing best match their interests and strengths. After building on that foundational experience, officers may pursue opportunities in investigations, specialized enforcement units, tactical operations, community engagement assignments, and many other areas within the department. To learn more about specialized assignments and career paths available within HPD, visit “Career Opportunities” page.
Because patrol operates 24 hours a day seven days a week to serve the community, Officers should expect to work either day, evening, or night shifts depending on staffing needs. Most patrol officers begin their careers working eight hour or ten hour shifts, although schedules may vary depending on the patrol division and operations. Schedules may be adjusted based on operational demands that may be affected by natural disasters, city-wide events, or other assignments based on department needs.
Police Trainees are not allowed to take time off or request a vacation while in the Academy or during Field Training. However, after officers are assigned to their first permanent patrol station (typically 12 months after hire date), they may begin submitting requests for scheduled days off and vacation leave in accordance with department policies. Because patrol operations must maintain adequate staffing to respond to calls for service, approval of leave requests may vary depending on staffing levels, operational demands, and previously scheduled leave.
Assignments vary depending on the division, role, and operational needs. Officers are encouraged to work with a partner, when possible, as it enhances safety and effectiveness in the field. However, there are times when officers may be assigned to work independently. Staffing decisions are made at the supervisory level.
Yes, we recommend that you apply no earlier than six months from the date you are scheduled to get out of the military. You may schedule an interview and bring a letter from your commanding officer stating the date you are likely to get out and that you will be honorably discharged. You will need to supply your DD-214 or NGB-22 forms for all past and current active-duty status once they are available, but no later than the academy start date.
Yes, you can be in the Reserves while in the academy, but some stipulations may apply. Visit the Military Welcome page for detailed information.
Yes, the Houston Police Department Training Academy is certified for full-time Veteran’s Administration Education Benefits. Cadets and Probationary Police Officers are able to use their benefits while as a cadet at the training academy as well as while in the field training program.
Since applicants do not compete against other applicants in the application process, military points do not affect the status of the applicant and therefore are not awarded. However, you will get military points for the Civil Service Exam in the Academy and any promotional exams that you take.
Participation in the DoD SkillBridge Program may involve some restrictions that limit exposure to certain high-risk or sensitive activities, which are essential components of police training and operations. Moreover, the program operates within specific timelines that may not align with the structured nature of the police academy and subsequent field training requirements.
At this time the Houston Police Department does NOT participate in the program but remains committed to supporting our military personnel through existing hiring pathways. Please visit our Military Page for more details.
A person who has a minimum of three (3) years of full-time law enforcement experience and attends the modified lateral academy.
Someone who has one or more years of full-time experience as a licensed law enforcement officer whose peace officer license has been valid in the past 12 months. This term was created by the City Ordinance that allows these employees to get base pay equivalent to a one (1) to five (5) year HPD officer based on their previous law enforcement experience.
Yes. Those with one and two years of full-time law enforcement experience can only be in a regular six month academy class.
You MUST hold a valid and active TCOLE license and successfully complete all the other phases of the recruiting application.
Out of State officers are ONLY eligible for the Lateral class if they successfully challenge TCOLE (transfer their license).
This includes meeting specific requirements, completing the Texas Supplemental Peace Officer course, and passing the state licensing examination. The process for changing their licensure to TCOLE is outlined on TCOLE’s website and this process is completely at the expense of the applicant. Note that this process is extensive and must be completed BEFORE applying to HPD.
For details on requirements visit the TCOLE website:https://www.tcole.texas.gov/content/out-state-peace-officers
No. Experience as a correctional officer does not count towards law enforcement experience for hiring purposes with the Houston Police Department.
Yes. Adjustments to a lateral officer’s pay (includes Base Pay/Longevity/TCOLE Pay and Equipment pay) are made for the first five years of service. It caps at five years, no matter how many years you have:
- One year of prior service: $3016.35 bi-weekly
- Two years of prior service: $3077.08 bi-weekly
- Three to Four years of prior service: $3128.80 bi-weekly
- Five years of prior service: $3232.24 bi-weekly
When you add incentives (such as education, shift differential, weekend or bilingual pay), it will include much more to your bi-weekly salary. You will also get education pay if it applies. Please visit the “Benefits” page for details.
Upon graduation from the Academy, you will be reclassified with your pay adjustment.
$2,000 bi-weekly, plus one-time lump sum of $1,000 for firearm/equipment purchase.
No. You will accrue PTO just like every other incoming cadet.
No. Two different agencies/municipalities… your pension contributions will start like every other incoming cadet.
The pension benefits will be the same as all other new hires. Please refer to the Benefits page for details.
You may be able to work an extra employment if:
- Classified as a lateral entry (Three years prior law enforcement experience)
- Was previously employed by a law enforcement agency as a peace officer
- Worked patrol duty for at least 12 months for that agency.
- Has completed the Houston Police Department's Field Training Program
You will be on probation for one year from your academy start date (hire date).
No.
See answer for “How can I request a day off or a vacation.”
Each patrol division manages leave scheduling based on staffing needs and operational requirements. A limited number of vacation slots may be available at any given time, and requests are typically handled at the division level on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If a day off is needed after all available slots are taken, officers may be able to request someone to work for them under the “Strategic Officer Staffing Program.” Refer to the Meet & Confer Agreement for details.
Schedules may be adjusted based on operational demands that may be affected by natural disasters, city-wide events, or other assignments based on department needs. While officers are typically assigned a standard shift, they may occasionally be required to remain on duty beyond their scheduled hours in order to complete investigations, documentation, or other necessary police duties.
See answer for “When can I work extra jobs?”
No. Your seniority with the Houston Police Department will start on hire date. The same rules will apply for lateral officers as regular cadets for transfers and promotions.
HPD is accepting applications from Lateral Applicants year-round! If you are interested in joining the Houston Police Department as a lateral, you can apply through the normal application process. Once you’re approved by the Chief of Police, the Training Academy will develop a custom plan for you to meet all the required qualification and graduate the academy sooner than a regular academy class.
This means that you may be the only one in your “Lateral Class.” You may be able to get started along with another regular class but will jump to your customized training scheduled as prescribed by the academy.
If you are ready to join, please start your application or contact a recruiter for more information.