LATERAL APPLICANTS


The Houston Police Department welcomes experienced peace officers who are interested in continuing their law enforcement careers with one of the largest agencies in the nation.

Lateral applicants bring valuable training and experience to HPD. While all applicants must complete the full recruitment process, certain requirements, classifications, and pay considerations may differ based on prior service, years of experience, and licensing status. The information below outlines eligibility criteria and the process for officers seeking to apply as lateral candidates.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Minimum of three years of full-time employment as a Peace Officer.
  • Must possess an active TCOLE license.

Out-of-State Applicants:

  • Peace Officers licensed outside of Texas may either transfer their certification through TCOLE or complete a full academy class to obtain Texas licensure.

Recruitment Process:

Lateral applicants must go through the same recruiting process as other applicants including Phase 1 through 6. The estimated total processing time is 3–7 Months, depending on wait times for each phase and the level of cooperation from current agencies.

Please note that you must complete all required forms and gather all supporting and eligibility documentation before scheduling an intake appointment. Applicants who schedule prematurely or arrive without required documents will be subject to rescheduling.

Applicants with Less Than three Years of Experience:

  • Must qualify through one of the following methods:
    • 48 credit hours of higher education with a GPA higher than 2.0
    • 36 months of full-time work experience in any field, in the last 48 months
    • 18 months of active-duty military service and received an Honorable Discharge
  • Will NOT be considered Lateral Officers.
  • Will need to attend the regular police academy program but will NOT need to re-take the TCOLE exam.

Academy Classes:

All applicants with prior law enforcement experience will be classified as Senior Police Trainees while they attend the Training Academy.

Lateral applicants are still required to attend the HPD Training Academy, but the class is substantially shorter than the regular academy program. Notably, lateral classes are no longer scheduled into separate academy classes. Lateral Officers complete required courses based on availability and graduate upon completion of their assigned curriculum.

Interested applicants should begin the standard application process when ready to join the Houston Police Department. After final approval by the Chief of Police, the Training Academy will create an individualized training schedule that is shorter than the full academy program.

Salary Information:

Applicants with prior law enforcement experience will receive adjusted pay upon graduating from the academy. Adjusted pay will reflect the same pay as the years of service. Below are the bi-weekly ranges of base pay according to the most recent meet-and-confer contract. The maximum range on each paygrade will be achieved by 2030.

One-year prior service: $2,800 - $3,727
Two years prior service: $2,942 - $3,802
Three to four years of prior service: $2,992 - $3866
Five years of prior service: $3,091 - $3995

For detail salary information visit our Benefits page or the Meet & Confer Agreement.