Police Trainee (Police Classified)

Houston Police Department; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid academy training

Competitive pay and benefits

Opportunities across 45+ divisions

Job summary

Houston Police Department seeks qualified applicants for positions in the Training Academy and Patrol divisions. Reporting location is 17000 Aldine Westfield. Workdays and hours vary.

The HPD offers paid academy training and competitive pay with benefits as part of a diverse, progressive department. Officers may advance across 45+ divisions, with career development through continuous training and promotional opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency
• Must be at least 20½ years old at time of application (must be 21 prior to academy graduation)
• Must be a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized)
• An Honorably Discharged Legal Permanent Resident as authorized by Texas Senate Bill 252 (effective September 1, 2023)
• Must have a valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance
• Must have a stable employment history
• Must pass all phases of the application process
• Must meet all Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) minimum standards for enrollment and initial licensure

Responsibilities

• Police officers with the Houston Police Department serve the community in a wide variety of roles and situations, including patrol responsibilities, community engagement, problem-solving, enforcement of laws, and responding to emergencies.
• Essential functions, work environment, and operational expectations are listed on our website, including examples of physical and operational duties, typical patrol assignments, work schedules, and potential career progression.
• Applicants are encouraged to review our website carefully as part of their decision to pursue a career with the Houston Police Department.

Education

COLLEGE EDUCATION: At least 48 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university with at minimum of a 2.0 grade point average

Job description

Applications accepted from: ALL QUALIFIED PERSONS INTERESTED

Division: Training Academy / Patrol*

Reporting Location: 17000 Aldine Westfield*

Workdays and Hours: Various*

*Subject to change

Our Mission

The mission of the Houston Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in the city of Houston by working cooperatively with the public to prevent crimes, enforce the law, preserve the peace, and provide a safe environment.

Why Join HPD

A career with the Houston Police Department is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to serve one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the nation. Whether you’re just beginning to explore law enforcement or are ready to take the next step, HPD offers a path built on professionalism, training, and community service.

• Paid academy training
• Competitive pay and benefits
• Opportunities across 45+ divisions

As the fifth largest agency in the nation, HPD sets the bar for professionalism, innovation and a progressive approach to community policing. Our diverse workforce of more than 5,400 officers and 892 civilian support personnel are a dedicated, enthusiastic group of professionals who proudly serve over 2 million Houston residents.

Officers receive a competitive salary with regular increases, city-subsidized insurance, 13 paid holidays plus 35–40 additional paid days off per year, tuition reimbursement, and retirement options including a pension plan with early retirement eligibility. With Houston’s low cost of living, salaries stretch even further than other large cities.

Officers have lateral and promotional opportunities in over 45 divisions. Regardless of the assignment, you will work in an environment that fosters leadership, teamwork and service to the community.

For further information pertaining to the Houston Police Department, please visit: www.hpdcareer.com.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Police officers with the Houston Police Department serve the community in a wide variety of roles and situations. The duties of an officer are diverse and may involve patrol responsibilities, community engagement, problem-solving, enforcement of laws, and responding to emergencies, often under challenging or unpredictable conditions.

Essential functions, work environment, and operational expectations associated with the role of a Houston Police Department officer are listed on our website. This includes examples of physical and operational duties, typical patrol assignments, work schedules, and an overview of potential career progression within the department.

Applicants are encouraged to review our website carefully as part of their decision to pursue a career with the Houston Police Department.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Newly sworn officers who successfully complete the police academy, field training program, and probationary period are typically assigned to one of fifteen patrol divisions. Patrol assignments are a critical part of an officer’s professional development and provide the foundation for a career in law enforcement.

Newly sworn officers who successfully complete the police academy, field training program, and probationary period are typically assigned to one of fifteen patrol divisions. Patrol assignments are a critical part of an officer’s professional development and provide the foundation for a career in law enforcement.

While assigned to patrol, officers respond to calls for service, investigate incidents, engage with the community, and enforce city and state laws. These daily responsibilities require officers to apply critical thinking, sound judgment, and problem-solving skills in dynamic and often unpredictable situations.

Patrol service provides officers with the practical experience necessary to understand community needs, develop decision-making skills under pressure, and build the operational knowledge required for future assignments within the department.

Officers must serve a minimum of three years in patrol. During this time, officers gain valuable experience handling a wide variety of calls for service, conducting investigations, interacting with diverse communities, and developing the professional skills necessary for specialized assignments later in their careers.

Patrol assignments provide the operational experience and institutional knowledge necessary for advancement and specialized assignments within the Houston Police Department.

After completing their first year of patrol service, officers may request a lateral transfer to another patrol station based on operational needs and available openings.

Must have one of the following four eligibility criteria

1. COLLEGE EDUCATION: At least 48 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university with at minimum of a 2.0 grade point average;
2. WORK HISTORY: At least three years of full-time employment in the last four years in ANY field.
3. MILITARY SERVICE: A minimum of 18 months active duty in the United States armed forces and received an honorable discharge;
4. PRIOR LAW ENFORCEMENT: At least three years of full-time employment as a peace officer licensed by TCOLE or an equivalent licensing entity in another state.

Additional requirements include:

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency
• Must be at least 20½ years old at time of application (must be 21 prior to academy graduation)
• Must be a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized)
• An Honorably Discharged Legal Permanent Resident as authorized by Texas Senate Bill 252 (effective September 1, 2023)
• Must have a valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance
• Must have a stable employment history
• Must pass all phases of the application process
• Must meet all Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) minimum standards for enrollment and initial licensure

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applica