Houston TX PD ... thoughts? impressions? other officers?

[TXleoapplicant]

Just wanted to start a thread and see what people think about Houston, TX PD. Love it? Hate it? No opinion?

I am very impressed with their educational incentive pay ... seems like a great thing to value education.

I am also impressed with the personal treatment I am receiving from some of the recruiters - prompt to answer questions, etc.

Of course, the cost of living in the Houston area is terrific and the amount of opportunities for activities and travel from and in H is great!

Just curious to know what others think and really want to find other officers working or who have worked there to begin a dialogue with them....

Thanks in advance,

A lateral applicant!

[police3704]

I also had a thought about Houston. So the recruiters have been good? I have'nt looked at the cost of living yet. I guess I will now

[TXleoapplicant]

Look at their new website ... www.hpdcareer.com

THere is a link there with a phone number ... ask for Tonya! She was terrific ... not sure if she is an officer, but she was very helpful to me.

Keep me posted and I'll do the same.

[DOAcop38]

they-houston PD- definitely don't pay as well as the Dallas -Ft Worth area depts,but better than San Antonio ,Galveston ,or east Texas (El Paso);is Harris Co area cheaper to live in than north Texas?and are the schools decent? those are part of the equation when you are looking to make a caeer at an agency .Sorry ,but their uniforms look "ugly"( go figire if you think thats important),and I have friends in Tex who say that HPD has really bad tactics and officer safety issues.ultimately,it comes down to whether you believe you can fit in at that dept and take advantage of the training and opportunities.If it pays better than what you are currently doing and fulfills your vision of a career-go for it.

[Blue Leader]

I can't even begin to imagine wearing a vest in that sweltering weather....

I cook out here in San Diego, land of "perfect weather" (or so I'm told). That is why I never work day shift.

[lilnupe2009]

I Love HPD, I did a ride alone with a family member who is an officer with HPD. PM I will will give you all the details.

[Future_Cadet]

They seem like a great dept. and the incentive pays are awesome. As long as you don't have ANY issues in your background, I would definitely recommend going for it.

[TXleoapplicant]

They seem like a great dept. and the incentive pays are awesome. As long as you don't have ANY issues in your background, I would definitely recommend going for it.

What exactly do you mean by "ANY" problems. ... I find it interesting the way you wrote that. Thanks!

[HMFIC]

What exactly do you mean by "ANY" problems. ... I find it interesting the way you wrote that. Thanks!

Its like every other Dept--its going to have the same issues as your current agency, just to varying degrees.

Tactics used to be bad, but are getting better with training and changing of the guard.

As far as the post concerning uniforms, HPD is in the "process" of changing over to navy.....

With the incentive pay package, HPD is competitive w/ DPD pay scale, and we do not have to carry the burden of health insurance costs. However, DPD pension is heads and shoulders above HPD current plan (40% at 25 yrs--employee 10.25% contribution, NO DROP )

Heat sux, u get "used" to it.

BTW, I heard next lateral will be 1st qtr 08.

[Blue Leader]

Its like every other Dept--its going to have the same issues as your current agency, just to varying degrees.

Tactics used to be bad, but are getting better with training and changing of the guard.

As far as the post concerning uniforms, HPD is in the "process" of changing over to navy.....

With the incentive pay package, HPD is competitive w/ DPD pay scale, and we do not have to carry the burden of health insurance costs. However, DPD pension is heads and shoulders above HPD current plan (40% at 25 yrs--employee 10.25% contribution, NO DROP )

Heat sux, u get "used" to it.

BTW, I heard next lateral will be 1st qtr 08.

40% at 25 years?!?!?!?!?!!!!!! Holy cow...that is ridiculous!!! I know California's cost of living is silly and we have an entire country's worth of tree-hugging idiots but at least we get paid relatively decent in retirement. The industry "standard" out here is 3% of your salary for each year of service so 25 years = 75%.... and it doesn't max out until 90%.