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.

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

Click Here for information about UOP's Programs.

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Abilene Christian University:

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

Click Here for information about Abilene Christian University's programs.

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American InterContinental University:

Associates in Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor's - Computer Forensics
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations

Click Here for info about AIU's Criminal Justice and other related programs.

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Berkeley College Online: (Online Programs)

Associate's in Justice Studies - Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Justice Studies - Criminal Justice

Click Here for info about Berkeley College's Criminal Justice Programs.

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Capella University:

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

Click Here for info about Capella's Criminal Justice and Emergency Management programs.

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Central Pennsylvania College: Click a Location to Request Program Information => PA (Online Programs)

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Administration

Click Here for info about Central Pennsylvania College's CJ programs.

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Colorado Technical University Online:

AS in Criminal Justice - Stonecliffe College Online
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Management - Criminal Justice

Click Here for info about CTU's Criminal Justice programs.

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Everest University Online :

Criminal Investigations Associate's Degree
Homeland Security Associate's Degree
Homeland Security Bachelor's Degree
Criminal Justice Associate's Degree
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree

Click Here for info about Everest University's online programs.

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Kaplan University:

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

Click Here for info about Kaplan University's Law Enforcement and related programs.

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Keiser University:

AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Homeland Security
Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Legal Studies
Master's in Criminal Justice

Click Here for info about Keiser University's CJ and related degree programs

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Rasmussen College Online: Locations throughout the Country - Offering Online Programs

Certificate - Police Officer Education
Associate's in Accounting - Financial Investigation
Associate's Criminal Justice
Associate's Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's Criminal Justice

Click Here for information about Rasmussen College's online programs.

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Tiffin University: (Online Programs)

Associate's in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
Bachelor of Criminal Justice - Justice Administration
Master's in Criminal Justice - Crime Analysis
Master's in Criminal Justice - Criminal Behavior
Master's in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Administration
Master's in Criminal Justice - Justice Administration

Click Here for info about Tiffin University's programs.

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Virginia College Online:

AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Cybersecurity

Click Here for info about Virginia College's Criminal Justice and related programs.

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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

Click a Location to Request Program Information ==>

Dallas, Fort Worth, or Arlington.

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Bradford School of Business:

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

Click a Location to Request Program Information ==>

Houston

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DeVry University:

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

Click a Location to Request Program Information ==>

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

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Remington College:

Programs Offered: Associate's | Criminal Justice

Click a Location to Request Program Information ==>

Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston.

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