ABOUT THE HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Houston Police Department (HPD) is one of the largest municipal law enforcement agencies in the United States, serving a city of more than two million residents. Since its founding in 1837, HPD has evolved alongside the City of Houston to meet the needs of a growing, diverse, and dynamic community.

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 and within the framework of the U.S. Constitution to enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe environment.

What This Means in Practice

For those considering a career with the Houston Police Department, this mission, core values, and guiding principles shape the expectations of every officer. HPD officers are entrusted with serving the community through ethical enforcement of the law, sound judgment, and respectful engagement, often in complex and challenging situations.

Officers are expected to work collaboratively with residents, uphold constitutional principles, and carry out their duties with professionalism, accountability, and integrity. This commitment to service, public trust, and community safety is central to life as an HPD officer and guides how officers train, make decisions, and serve the City of Houston.

A Career with Many Paths

In addition to patrol operations, HPD offers a wide range of career opportunities across multiple commands and specialized units. Officers may pursue assignments that align with their skills, interests, education, and experience in areas such as:

Field Operations & Patrol
Criminal Investigations
Special Victims & Homicide
Narcotics & Gang Enforcement
Intelligence & Homeland Security
Traffic Enforcement & Air Support
Airport Operations
Training, Recruiting & Professional Development
Mental Health Response & Emergency Communications
Tactical & Specialized Operations

As officers gain experience, they may apply for specialized assignments, promotional opportunities, or leadership roles throughout the department.

A Department Shaped by Its History

HPD’s history reflects the broader history of the City of Houston — shaped by change, growth, and the ongoing responsibility to serve a diverse community with fairness and respect.

Throughout its history, HPD has been shaped by innovation, reform, and the dedication of the men and women who have served before. The timeline below highlights key milestones in the department’s growth, progress, and commitment to public service.

HPD 2000-Present

2016 First Hispanic Chief of Police appointed
2015 HPD Headquarters at 1200 Travis was renamed to Edward A. Thomas Building
2010 Fondren Substation opened
2009 Special Crimes Division formed and new Property Room opened
2008 SWAT introduced the “BEAR”, a new 12-ton armored vehicle
2007 Mobility Response Team formed
2006 Houston Police Foundation established

HPD 1970 - 1999

1998 HPD Officers received first labor contract
1997 1200 Travis dedicated as HPD Headquarters
1995 Women made up over 10% of police force
1993 Special Response Group (SRG) formed
1990 First female Chief of Police appointed
1989 HPD Citizens’ Police Academy established
1982 First African-American Chief of Police appointed
1981 Riesner Police Academy replaced with new modern Academy
1978 Department hired a psychologist to screen applicants
1977 HPD started field training program and Internal Affairs Division established
1975 Special Weapons and Tactical Squad (SWAT) formed
1970 Helicopter Patrol Division created with 3 leased helicopters

HPD 1940-1969

1967 Community Relations Divsion created
1966 Bomb Squad formed
1965 Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) formed
1960 Central Intelligence Division created
1957 Civilian Jailers hired
1954 Females were once again allowed to join HPD
1953 First African-American female police officer started in the Juvenile Division
1952 New police headquarters at 61 Riesner opens
1945 Houston Police Officers Association (HPOA) created

HPD 1837-1939

1939 First academy class, a 5-week academy held at the Sam Houston Coliseum
1937 Accident Division established
1936 Missing Persons Division formed
1930 Homicide Division established and North Side opened as the 3rd substation
1928 HPD hired women as Matrons, to be responsible for young females and juvenile boys and girls
1927 Mounted Traffic Squad established in downtown, first radios installed in patrol cars
1918 First female officer was hired and assigned to the Public Moral and Safety Squad
1909 First motorcycle purchased
1910 First automobile purchased and first Traffic Squad formed
1900 City Marshal title was changed to Chief of Police
1873 Police force consisted of the City Marshal and 12 officers
1841 First City Marshal elected and Houston Police Department was founded
1837 First constable hired in Houston

Applicants and community members interested in learning more about HPD’s history are encouraged to visit the Houston Police Department Museum, which preserves artifacts, stories, and exhibits highlighting the department’s legacy and evolution.

Understanding HPD’s past helps inform the department’s mission today and the role future officers will play in serving Houston.