Any suggestions for Houston PD

[Originalist]

Ok, so I have decided I am getting out of the military and have my heart set on a job in LE. I have looked at several Dept's that have an Acandemy (because I dont have the money or the free time to go to SAC or something like that due to my AF Job). Houston is the place I want to go to get my foot in the door (and stay for a long while). I will enter the application phase in Feb but I am looking for someone, anyone with a little insight as to what I have to look forward to, areas of concern, etc. Right now the only issue I have with the info I have gotten is I need to shed at least 20lbs (working on that now, but I am naturally big) to make there weight standard, although the physical agility test will be no problem (I have been practicing) . Any one with info, suggestions, help, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Bryan

[Nachos Libres]

This board would have people that could answer your questions:

http://forums.officer.com/forums/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Originalist]

Thank you

[texasmr2]

AFCop,
That is a good forum but I was denied membership while I was in the process of becoming a jailor so most likely it's gonna be hit or miss if you are accepted, other than that I wish you the best of luck and let us know how it goes. I will be starting HCC's police academy in Feb '09 as I decided to get my state certification after being denied by two agency's for a jailor's position over totally rediculous reason's. You are way ahead of the game with your military background.

Gregg

[mrvmax]

I would suggest applying for multiple departments (i.e. DPS, Houston HPD etc.) so all your eggs are not in one basket. I would also suggest looking into some of Stew Smiths books, they could help prepare you physically so the fitness portion will not be a problem.
http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/disp ... 1578262663" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.stewsmith.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[KRM45]

I suggest you take a look at the TCLEOSE site:
http://www.tcleose.state.tx.us/index.htm
They are the licensing agency for peace officers in Texas. As an MP (SP?) in the military you may not need to go through the academy. There is an abreviated course that goes over the Texas laws and then you can take the TCLEOSE exam.

I don't know how Houston PD works, but your chances of being hired by an agency that does not have it's own academy would be better if you already had your license. I also agree with the previous poster, apply with several agencies. Also you may want to make contact with the HPD recruiter and discuss your situation with them. In my experience it will take 6 months or more, from the time you apply to the time you are hired.

A good resource for agencies that are hiring is the TML web site:
http://www.tml.org/classifieds/classifieds_police.html

[seamusTX]

I don't know squat about policing other than general knowledge, but this thread has been sitting here for a long time with no contribution from Houston insiders.

From where I sit, Houston PD does not look like the best place to work. Houston has fairly high rates of violent crime and gang activity. The police are more likely to run into some really bad actors. That can't be good for their long-term mental health, even if they don't get hurt.

There are also many accusations of police brutality and shooting people who didn't need to be shot. I don't know how well substantiated these charges are. Maybe they just come with the turf in a big city.

The Houston PD is also politicized, or has been on and off. Google Lee Brown, Houston police, botched raid, crime lab, and similar terms.

A career with one of the smaller towns, constable precincts, or sheriff's departments in the surrounding counties might be more sedate, if lower-paid. I know some Galveston police and deputies who have had long careers here and seem to be satisfied with their jobs.

Some of the medium-sized agencies will pay you during academy training. The small towns can't afford to do that, and the bigger agencies want experience.

- Jim

[texasmr2]

seamusTX basically hit the nail on the head. I'm 44yr's old thus I am too old in HPD's eye's to become a police officer yet thankfully they were on my 'short list'. I will be starting HCC's 'police academy' in Feb so I will comeout fully state certified and have the credential's to apply at any agency. There are so many smaller police agency's within Harris County that need and want help without being so dang particular about their requirement's. My uncle who is a Montgomery County Sheriff did not start with them until he was 50yr's old.

Concerning the aspect of having to go through a certain agency's academy it all depend's on that agency as KRM45 mentioned. My plan once I graduate HCC's academy in July of '09 is to apply with two of my local agency's which I have communication's with, get some experience, and then apply at the DPS and the TPWD. Either way bro be vigilant and keep your dream alive .

Gregg

PS,
Do we have any LEO's here who went through HCC's 'police academy' and may offer alittle insight and/or advice for us newbie's???