Rodeo Days in Houston begin today!

http://www.hlsr.com/

"The Protectors" (1966) Part Eight

Click Play Above

"The Protectors" (1966) Part Seven

Click Play Above

How does a K-9 work?

Click Play Above

Interested in police work? You have to check out this cool video regarding K-9's and how they do their job.

Chino (K-9) uses his superior sense of smell to track down suspected criminals. National Geographic Channel program Fight Science shows us how he does it. Courtesy of http://www.natgeotv.com/

"The Protectors" (1966) Part Six

Click Play Above

"The Protectors" (1966) Part Five

Click Play Above

This is part five of a film from 1966 that was hosted by a famous actor of his time, Mr. James Whitmore. The film is all about the Houston Police Department from the hiring process to patrolling the streets of Houston. Times have really changed.

"The Protectors" (1966) Part Four

Click Play Above

This is part four of a film from 1966 that was hosted by a famous actor of his time, Mr. James Whitmore. The film is all about the Houston Police Department from the hiring process to patrolling the streets of Houston.

Opportunities

Marine Unit to K-9 unit, the opportunity is yours at HPD.

Fat Tuesday

Presidents Day

Design by Officer Quoc-Tuan Nguyen

"Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company."

- President George Washington

If you have ever considered becoming a police officer in the future it is important to remember what Former President George Washington once said as we celebrate his day, today.

Happy Valentines Day

Design by Officer Quoc-Tuan Nguyen

One of our HPD officers is very talented and creative and has graciously designed this cartoon for the blog to celebrate Valentines Day. I would like to personally thank Officer Tuan Nguyen for his contributions today and in the past. Officer Nguyen began his career as a civilian photographer with HPD and wanted to do more for the community after being around fellow police officers and seeing what the job entailed . Officer Nguyen joined HPD as a police officer two years ago and tells me he loves patrolling the night shift in downtown Houston and wished that he had done it sooner.

Officer Nguyen's story is one of many. From school teachers, professional basketball, football and baseball players, airline pilots, doctors, to graphic artists like Officer Nguyen, there is something calling these citizens to make a difference in their community. There is nothing like being a police officer and making a difference everyday. I say to Officer Nguyen and the readers of this blog, it's better later than never. Apply today at www.hpdcareer.com .

The Protectors (1966) - Part Three

Click Play Above

The Protectors (1966) - Part Two

Click Play Above

This is part two of a film from 1966 that was hosted by a famous actor of his time, Mr. James Whitmore. The film is all about the Houston Police Department from the hiring process to patrolling the streets of Houston. Times have really changed.

"The Protectors" 1966 - Part One

Click Play Above

Over the next few days I will be showing a film from 1966 that was hosted by a famous actor of his time, Mr. James Whitmore. The film is all about the Houston Police Department from the hiring process to patrolling the streets of Houston. Times have really changed.

(Remember folks, this film is from 1966 and the hiring standards and academy training has changed significantly in the last 44 years.)

HPD K-9 "Alpos" wanted me to post his favorite commercial from yesterday's Super Bowl.

Click Play Above

Which was your favorite?

Who is going to win the disturbance in Florida?

Design by Officer Quoc-Tuan Nguyen

Good morning HPD Bloggers, be the first blog fan to give me your prediction on the final score of Super Bowl XLIV by noon on Sunday. The first one that posts the closest to the actual score will win an HPD goodie bag that includes a T-Shirt and an HPD lapel pin. Good Luck!

MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WITH YOUR COMMENT SO THAT I MAY CONTACT YOU FOR YOUR MAILING ADDRESS.

"You looking at me?"

Most K-9 teams are assigned to patrol, while others are assigned to explosive and narcotics detection. Many of the dogs have a dual purpose and are as such trained. When not working, the dogs live with their handlers and their families.

Are you among us?

Design by Officer Quoc-Tuan Nguyen

Ordinary people doing the extraordinary to protect others. You are out there and you are interested or you would not be reading this blog. It takes a certain type of person to do this job. Not everyone is cut out for it and that is perfectly alright. My dad worked in the oil business and my mom worked in marketing. They are my heroes. You see heroes come in all sorts of packages. The literal meaning of the word is "protector" or "defender" and etymologically it is thought to be cognate with the name of the goddess Hera. It is also thought to be a cognate of the Latin verb servo (original meaning: to preserve whole) and of the Avestan verb haurvaiti (to keep vigil over). If you feel this is the right avenue for you to make a difference I invite you to do so by applying today.

No matter what you decide to do, it's up to you to decide how much of a difference you are willing to make.

White hat? Black hat? You decide.

Search, then Search again!

Click Play Above

A reader sent this video clip to me to show just how easy it is to hide a weapon on your body. Pretty amazing to watch.

Disappointed

"You give me a "donut" and it turns out to be only a toy!"

I know many readers of this blog are disappointed about the lack of academy classes scheduled for this year. Many of you have written emails wanting to know how come you have not been called in for an interview yet. If you have not read this post, please click here: http://www.hpdblog.com/2009/12/recruiting-unit-and-academy-class.html

The good news is that we are still accepting applications and still want you to apply. Apply online at www.hpdcareer.com and get into the system. Time really does go by very quickly. Before you know it, you will be getting the call to come in for an interview. As the economy improves employment numbers will go up. Funding for future classes could come about at anytime and it will be to your best interest to already have an application on file. Hang in there, I promise you that being a police officer for the City of Houston is well worth the wait!