RWR -Cancelled

"Dude, where is everyone?"

Due to field conditions the Run With Your Recruiter even was cancelled this morning. Please check back soon for the next scheduled event.

Run With The Recruiter - Tomorrow (March 9th is cancelled)

Run With The Recruiter for Friday, March 9th 2012 is cancelled due to possible severe weather and field conditions. Please check back often for next event.

"Lobos"

Big City...

...big opportunities.

That's a lot of paperwork!

And I thought we were busy...

Police Dispatch

Courtesy of the Houston Police Museum

No, this is not an intense game of Battleship. This is a rare photo taken at police headquarters of the (new at the time) dispatch system in the 1950's. 

Not all calls are exciting...

Recently I came across this news clip and it made me think about the career path of a police officer. I know I mention excitement and danger on this blog, but in reality this is what makes the job of a police officer so unique. Yes, this sort of call is very rare and may be the only call in the history of police work where opening a jar was involved, but it's important to put this in perspective.

This may have been an elderly person who has no one in the world to help her with this unique problem and remembered that police are here to HELP.

By choosing a career in law enforcement you must know that every shift is different and not your typical day at work. From foot chases, to car chases, to...opening a jar, it's all in a days work. I promise you this, you will not be bored at work...ever.

Like someone once said, "It's the greatest show on earth and you have a front row seat!"

We will begin accepting applications soon. Keep an eye on this blog, website ,Twitter or Facebook and start getting prepared now. You will not need to open jars during the application process, but you should be prepared to do so just in case you are needed one day by someone who needs your help.

Class 212 Update - Cadet Rivera

After eleven weeks in a classroom learning Constitutional law, State law, and Civil law, Class 212 was getting a severe case of 'cabin fever'.  I am glad to say the class held it together.  Our class has entered the second phase of training at the Academy.  Skills.  Every Cadet is eager to get to skills.  Cadets are trained in safe manipulation of driving a Police Cruiser.  We are trained in the ways to protect individuals from harm to themselves, as well as, Police Officers.  And lastly, how to safely use firearms.  Safety is the key for everyone involved.  Did I mention that this phase is fun?  Oh yeah…real fun.  Many Cadets have switched into competitive mode to see who can do the skills courses the best.  It is challenging but it's a blast!

Becoming a Houston Police Officer is a difficult process.  We are not even half-way through our training.  The schedule and demands are tough.  Plus, our trainers expect no less than excellence and professionalism from us.   We are reminded that many eyes are upon us because the bar was set so high for our class.  Recently, we had a Physical Midterm Test.  We were told that we exceeded expectations and our class met a milestone that had not been achieved in years. 

But the Class has learned that sometimes one step forward is easily met with two steps backwards in the same day or the same hour.  As students we are taught to be ever vigilant.   A thick skin in this profession is a must.  If you find it hard to receive correction and criticism in any form, this may not be the career path for you.  You also need an attitude of service.  To become a police officer, you must come to terms with the fact that you are putting your life on the line for people you may or may not know.  You must also choose integrity before loyalty in this line of work.  As a public servant, you are looking for ways to help citizens, family, and fellow police officers.  The reward is knowing you did your job with integrity and the way you were trained.  Sadly, we may never receive a thank you.

Today we were told that Law Enforcement is an honorable profession.  I would have to agree. Not because I chose this career but because I see the rich experience we see from those that have gone before us.  I also see the hope and promise in the eyes of my fellow classmates in Class 212.  Keep an eye on us.  Expect great things from us.

Cadet Rivera
Class President-212
"United in Blue"

New HPD Career Website is now live!

Check out the new HPD Career website for the latest information on becoming one of Houston's finest. We are anticipating taking applications in mid-March, so BE READY!

Officers in Action

Recently during the holiday season, Officer G. Garcia and Officer S. Rubio were dispatched to a call for service which involved a woman who advised them that she suffered from depression and anxiety but did not have any money or resources to go to the doctor. Further investigation verified her claims and her need for help. The officers contacted the Houston Police Department’s Mobile Crisis Outreach Team to get her some assistance. The officers along with the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team immediately began to assist the woman in her time of need.

Officers Garcia and Rubio also observed that the woman’s two children were not adequately clothed and appeared to be hungry and cold. The apartment in which the family resided was cold and dirty and there was no food in the refrigerator or pantry. Further investigation proved that the woman was disabled, unemployed and in danger of losing her apartment. Officers Garcia and Rubio went to a nearby store and bought clothing and several holiday gifts for the children using their personal funds.

HPD would like to commend these officers for their generosity and thorough investigation. These officers demonstrated professionalism and diligence in the performance of their duties. As a result, this woman and her family will get the assistance that they need.