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 are exploring a career as a police officer, considering a role in emergency communications, or interested in professional support positions, HPD offers a path built on professionalism, training, and community service.
So, why join the Houston Police Department?
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 professionals are a dedicated, enthusiastic group of professionals who proudly serve over two 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.
No prior law enforcement experience is required. Upon employment, you will attend our 6 month paid police academy and obtain your peace officer’s license. You will receive specialized training from some of the finest officers in law enforcement.
Ready to learn more? Explore the requirements and application process for police officer positions or learn more about opportunities in emergency communications and professional staff careers to see if HPD is the right fit for you.
The Houston Police Department Recruiting Division actively engages with the community through a variety of outreach and recruiting events across the region. Please see our events calendar to see the latest list of upcoming events.
In addition to HPD-hosted programs such as Run With Your Recruiter, our recruiters participate in career fairs, workforce development events, and college and university activities hosted by the City of Houston, State of Texas, Workforce Solutions, and other partner organizations. These events provide opportunities for prospective applicants to meet with recruiters, ask questions, and learn more about careers with HPD.
Captain's Corner
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The Houston Police Department is among the top-rated law enforcement organizations serving one of the most dynamic cities in the country. I have 38 years in law enforcement serving communities in various departments. My previous assignments include DPS, serving as a Texas Ranger, and more recently as Chief of Police in Katy, Texas. I am honored that John Whitmire and the Houston City Council have entrusted me with the leadership of this great department.
Our mission is clear: We foster a healthy, professional, and compassionate department that earns mutual trust with our community by providing the highest quality community-based policing and problem-solving services.
Our department’s success depends not only on our sworn officers, but also on the dedicated civilian and emergency communications professionals who support our mission every day.
We have a duty to uphold our values of preserving and advancing democratic values, improving the quality of community life within the city and demonstrating professionalism that reflects the integrity of this department.
My gratitude extends to both civilian and classified employees, because together we help one another to provide the best service to the community. I understand we face many challenges as an organization, but I am confident that we can make progress by strengthening our ties to the community and reaching out to other law enforcement agencies at local, state, and federal level. We all face the same problems and share the same goals: improving public safety and quality of life.
Make a difference in your community and build a rewarding career.
