Very Nice!

Over 5200 fans and counting! The new HPD Facebook Fan Page is gaining steam and I would appreciate your help by spreading the word. If you are not a fan yet, please join today. If you're already a Facebook member, please invite your friends to join! Once you sign on to your account, go to the Houston Police Department Fan Page and look under the patch. You will see the "Suggest to Friends" tab. Click there and start inviting your friends. Thanks for the support!

Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Houston-TX/Houston-Police-Department/103350909719

Really?

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Have I mentioned that a career in law enforcement also has it's humorous moments. These are real calls for service.

Cop-Cabs!

HPD has joined with the Texas Department of Transportation in their campaign for everyone to "Choose Your Ride". To promote this initiative, we have allowed TxDOT to wrap the rear of some police vehicles to look like Yellow Cabs making them Cop-Cabs. Reminding drivers to make the right choice, if you have been drinking take a cab home- instead of a police car. Look for these "Reminder Cars" throughout the city!

In memory of Jesse

Pasadena Police Officer Jesse Hamilton, assigned to the Patrol Division, was killed in the line of duty early Friday morning. Officer Hamilton, a 4 ½ year veteran of the department is survived by his wife Amanda and their two children, Audrey and Caelan.

Jesse willed be laid to rest today at 10:00am at the Grace Community Church. I ask for a moment of thought and prayer at that time. Our brother in blue and Houston neighbor died protecting others. No matter what color uniform or badge he wears, he is still family. Rest in peace my brother, rest in peace.

Questions

Lately, I have been getting numerous emails regarding the application process slowing down. Many of you have written me and asked what now? I thought a post might help with some of your questions.

I would like to first point out that we have decreased the number of classes this fiscal year from seven classes (previous year) to two classes this year (March and May of 2010). In doing this the staff in recruiting has also been decreased and many of our officers and civilians have been relocated to different areas. Many of you have been in contact with these recruiters for some time now and as of today they are no longer here. PLEASE DO NOT WORRY. Your cases have been reassigned to the officers that are still here. This may cause a delay in your process, but since the next class is not until March 2010, we have plenty of time.

For those of you just now thinking about applying. I encourage you to apply online at http://www.hpdcareer.com/ and begin the process. We do not have a test up-front, so there is no need to wait to apply. Apply now. Although you apply online, it may take up to six weeks or longer before your interview. Be patient and stay positive.

Don't Forget!

I know this has nothing to do with recruiting, but I feel it is important for all my readers to remember the little ones are out and about as you drive to work today. Please be careful.

Beat this caption!

While on patrol this officer was caught on film by a citizen who filed a complaint. It seems that white socks are not allowed while in uniform.

Beat this caption for a free Recruiting T-shirt. Please keep the captions clean. Please give me your email address with your comment so I may contact you if you win.

Crooks are not always human...

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Facelift

Pictures and Story Courtesy of SPO J. Chapman, HPD Museum

The 1952 HPD patrol car roared back to life on Thursday August 6, 2009 after breaking out of it's glass case in the Police Academy Academic building. The car then parked itself on the front sidewalk of the building and stood by while officers ran for their cameras to get close-up photos. The patrol car had been under glass for about fifteen years.

The car agreed to go quietly, only after the good folks at the Planet Ford dealership agreed to give it a new paint job. The car will be proudly displayed in the lobby of Police Headquarters around the first of the year.

The HPD Museum would like to thank all the people who helped to make the refurbishment and the move possible...Nice Job!

Beat this caption!

Courtesy of the HPD Museum

"Testing of the first bullet proof vest did not go well."

Write me a caption in the comment section and leave me your email address so I may contact you. The best comment will receive a Recruiting T-Shirt.

Award of Excellence

From time to time, I will be highlighting officers within the department who go beyond the call of duty and make a significant difference in the community that they serve.

On May 5, 2008, The Eagle Jewelry store was robbed of more than $500,000 and 655 pieces of jewelry. Sergeant Catherine Richards and Officer Steven Hendrie, who were assigned to the case, distributed media releases to help identify the suspects. A tip from Crime Stoppers identified two of the suspects. Sergeant Richards and Officer Hendrie arrested one of the suspects who later confessed and implicated additional suspects. Using cellular telephone technology, the officers determined the date, time and proximity of a second suspect to the jewelry store robbery. Arrest warrants were obtained and two other suspects were arrested and charged. The seven month investigation was labor intensive and technologically innovative. Due to the excellent and relentless work of these two officers the case was solved and the suspects were caught.

Traffic Control

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During the last weeks of the academy you will be asked to direct traffic as part of your training. Make sure you are not the lowest performer in your class or this will be your intersection to train at. :)

Become a Fan Today!

This is all about showing our HPD heroes in action. Positive news about HPD. Join today! Tell your friends and family! Click this link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Houston-Police-Department/103350909719

We are now on Facebook!

The Houston Police Department is now on Facebook. Become the first to become a fan.

Click here to sign on and check out the new HPD Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Houston-Police-Department/103350909719

Determination, Concentration and Patience

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This video really has nothing to do with recruiting or HPD for that matter. After you become a police officer with Houston, we are mandated by the State of Texas to continue our training throughout the year, every year. Once a year during your birth month, you will attend at least forty hours of what we call "In Service Training". One of the teachers showed this video during a break. I was stunned, amazed and thoroughly impressed by this person. I just thought you would be impressed also. Enjoy.

Do you love your job?

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I talk about the benefits and opportunities that come along with being a police officer all the time on this blog. The career path that you take in life could be boring and dull. I promise you that if you choose this career path, you will love your job. Every day is new and exciting. This video shows Tony Lepore, the Providence Dancing Cop as he does his thing on the corner of Weybosset and Dorrance Streets in downtown Providence. Do you think he loves his job?

Amazing Car Chase...(wait until the end)

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This is an amazing car chase considering what is revealed at the end. You never know what will happen being a police officer. Everyday is different. Don't be bored at your current career. We are still accepting applications at http://www.hpdcareer.com/

Trivia

This picture was taken some years back during academy training. According to the Houston Police Museum Curator, Senior Police Officer Chapman, the cadets were being taught Judo. Free T-Shirt to the first person to comment (in the comment section) what year this photo was taken. Please include your email address in your comment so that I may contact you for your home address.

I love the sneakers... (bonus gift if you also tell me what the nickname was for those sneakers)
Hint: They were NOT "Jordan's"!

Dancing Cop

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One of my readers emailed me this clip the other day. I had to share.

Classic "Joe Friday" speech

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Rare Footage

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I am not sure what year this police applicant was interviewed, but it appears to be very old. I presume he did not make the cut and was sent on his way. :)