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.

Lateral Requirements

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. Read here for more information.

Recruitment Process:

• All applicants must complete the full recruitment process, including Phases 1 through 6.

Applicants with Less Than 3 Years of Experience:

• Applicants with fewer than three years of full-time Peace Officer experience must qualify through one of the following methods before attending the academy:
• 48 credit hours of higher education
• 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

These individuals will be classified as Senior Police Trainees and will receive adjusted pay based on prior experience. However, they will NOT be classified as lateral transfers.

Estimated Total Processing Time: 3–4 Months. (Depending on wait times for each phase and the level of cooperation from current agencies)

Lateral academy classes are scheduled to begin in September 2025. For more details about lateral hiring, please refer to our FAQs.