How to Become a Houston Police Officer

With a diverse workforce of men and women, the Houston Police Department is serving the City in units covering every aspect of law enforcement and community service. The Houston Police has an on-going need for police officers who are committed to public service, professionalism, and peaceful neighborhoods. Show that you care by wearing the badge of the Houston Police Officer.

Houston Police Officer Job Description

Houston Police Officers are charged with keeping the residents of Houston safe by patrolling the city limits by foot, helicopter, car, bike, boat, motorcycle, and any other means to fight crime. Officers will collect evidence, investigate crimes, direct traffic, and many other duties related to a law enforcement officer career in Houston. Houston police officers make a difference in their communities and the lives of people around them. If you are ready for this type of challenge and the rewards that follow then the Houston PD is waiting for you.

Houston Police Officer Training, Prerequisites and Educational Requirements

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The Houston Police Department requires applicants to be between 21 and 44 years old, a U.S. citizen on or before the date of hire, achieve a passing grade on the civil service exam, and have completed 60 semester hours of college credit (Associate's Degree) with a G.P.A. of at least 2.0 at an accredited college or university. Also acceptable are applicants with four years of continuous active duty in the armed forces of the United States. Applicant’s must also be in possession of a valid driver's license and need to pass an intense background investigation and physical testing. The Houston Police pays you an educational incentive bonus each year if you have a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate Degree.

Houston Police Officer Salary and Job Outlook

Successful applicants who are hired as Houston Police Officers begin their careers at the Houston PD Training Academy as Probationary Police Officers. Each PPO must complete a 12 month probationary period.  Houston Police Academy training lasts six months followed and is followed by a six month field training/probation period. Starting salary for the Houston police department is $29,165 during the training period. However, if you have a bachelor’s degree it may be as high as $33,784 during training.  It is increased to anywhere between $36,000 to $50,000 after one year depending upon experience and education. Again, with a bachelor’s degree you will be on the higher end of the pay scale.  In addition to these base salaries, there is overtime earning, holiday pay, night differential and uniform allowance.

There are many career paths to pursue once you become a Houston police officer including sergeant, lieutenant, chief and more. Most of these promotions or specialties require advanced education. A Criminal Justice school in your area will have more information.

Request free information from the fully accredited online schools below and see how a criminal justice degree can help you succeed in a Houston police officer career.

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Criminal Justice Degrees for Houston Police Officer Careers

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starUniversity of Phoenix Online: University of Phoenix will prepare you for careers in the field of criminal justice. University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the country and is dedicated to their students.

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Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Organizational Security & Management
MS in Administration of Justice and Security
Information Systems Security Certificate

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editorpickAmerican InterContinental University Online: The BSCJ in Special Populations is an accelerated Bachelor's Degree program that will prepare you for careers in federal government, such as an Air Marshal.

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Associate's Criminal Justice Administration
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations

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Kaplan University:

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AAS in Criminal Justice
AASCJ - Corrections, Law Enforcement, Private Security
BS in Criminal Justice
BSCJ - Law Enforcement, Computer Crime, Corrections, Homeland Security...

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Rasmussen College Online:

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Associate's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
Associate's in Criminal Justice
AACJ - Corrections
AACJ - Crime Scene Evidence
AACJ - Law Enforcement
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Certificate - Police Officer Education

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Capella University:

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BS in Criminal Justice
BS Public Safety - Emergency Management, Homeland Security
MS in Criminal Justice
MS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
MS in Public Safety Leadership
PhD Programs - Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Public Safety Leadership

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Everest College Online:

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Criminal Justice Associate's Degree
Criminal Justice Bachelor of Arts Degree
Criminal Investigations Associate's Degree

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Lincoln College Online:

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BS in Criminal Justice and The Study of the Criminal Mind

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Herzing University:

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AS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Homeland Security

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Florida Tech University Online:

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AA in Criminal Justice
BA in Criminal Justice

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Ashford University:

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BA in Organizational Management - Criminal Justice

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Keiser University Online :

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AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Homeland Security
Master's in Criminal Justice

Request information to learn more about these as well as other Criminal Justice Programs at Keiser University.

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Abilene Christian University:

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Master's in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation
Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resoulution

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Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Management & Administration
BS in Criminal Justice - Computer Info Syst & Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Crime & Criminals
BS in Criminal Justice - Human Services for CJ
MPA - Homeland Security and Policy Coordination, Law and Public Policy
M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism and Security, Crisis Management and Response

Request more information about a Walden University degree program.

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Schools Offering Criminal Justice Programs in Houston and Surrounding Areas

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University of Phoenix:

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's | Administration of Justice and Security, Criminal Justice/Administration, Organizational Security & Management

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Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, or San Antonio.

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Everest College:

Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal, Criminal Justice

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Dallas, Fort Worth, or Mid Cities.

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Bradford School of Business:

Programs Offered: Diploma and Associate's | Legal Administrative Assistant

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Houston

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DeVry University:

Programs Offered: Bachelor's and Master's | Certified Fraud Examiner, Technical Management - Criminal Justice

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Houston (Undergrad), Irving (Undergrad), Austin, Fort Worth, Houston/Galleria

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Remington College:

Programs Offered: Associate's | Criminal Justice

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Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston.

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