HPD Rumor

[frostbiker]

Has anyone heard, or is there truth to the rumor about HPD considering a move to accept applicants from outside academies?

Heard from an acquaintance over the weekend (He's HPD) that a city council member is pitching the idea to get more people on the streets. She thinks it will save money for the city and still provide quality, qualified candidates for a shorter 3 month academy before going FTO and on to the streets.

[Maverick1701]

I know when HPD was at my schools (SFASU) job far a few months ago the rep told me that I would still have to attend their academy (even though I had been through another academy).
I havent heard anything about the rumor.

[1313]

2007 was the last time HPD had a lateral class come through.
But yes, as far as today goes, all cadets have to go through the regular 6 month academy. It doesn't matter if you're a 15 year veteran at another dept.

[runaround]

Current City Controller Anise Parker is running for mayor, and came in first in the initial election. She will got to a run-off election in December.

She is the one who floated the idea of contracting with local academies (such as Houston Community College and University of Houston Downtown) to do the initial training of cadets. However, the union and nearly every HPD officer is opposed to the idea.

So it is a possibility, but far off at this point.

[JBL]

I would def be opposed to it. There is a difference between getting instructed by college professors and actual officers. Also, The city would never allow it because there would be too much liability.

[913]

I know in years past white shirts with Harris County S/O have been allowed to go through HCC's academy to get their blue shirts, and at least once, HCC has added a class specifically to get a bunch of white shirts through. So, I would say anything's possible.

[1313]

I would definitely be against having an outside source train new cadets. It's better kept in house. There's only one way...the HPD way.
*No offense to other agencies. I'm talking about HPD vs HCCS vs UH-D.*

[AC1074]

I would definitely be against having an outside source train new cadets. It's better kept in house. There's only one way...the HPD way.
*No offense to other agencies. I'm talking about HPD vs HCCS vs UH-D.*

I don't think outside sources are the answer. I think HPD could pump out more classes if they got the funding......that's the problem.

I probably would seriously consider HPD if they accepted and worked with lateral entries. I can't remember the last time HPD had a lateral entry. It would seem silly to have a 12 year vet go through another 6 month basic program.

[HMFIC]

I don't think outside sources are the answer. I think HPD could pump out more classes if they got the funding......that's the problem.

I probably would seriously consider HPD if they accepted and worked with lateral entries. I can't remember the last time HPD had a lateral entry. It would seem silly to have a 12 year vet go through another 6 month basic program.

Last lateral class was in late 07, or early 08.

[cjmac]

I don't think outside sources are the answer. I think HPD could pump out more classes if they got the funding......that's the problem.

I probably would seriously consider HPD if they accepted and worked with lateral entries. I can't remember the last time HPD had a lateral entry. It would seem silly to have a 12 year vet go through another 6 month basic program.

That's the hold-up, there are only two classes scheduled for 2010 (so total of 140-150 new officers), and HPD is saying they are 1400 short? Sounds like a great way to have a crime increase in Houston with not enough officers to patrol.

[AC1074]

That's the hold-up, there are only two classes scheduled for 2010 (so total of 140-150 new officers), and HPD is saying they are 1400 short? Sounds like a great way to have a crime increase in Houston with not enough officers to patrol.

2 classes??? wow. Yeah then they really need to do something. I really think they should try and push the lateral entries or have some kind of program for officers who are certified and have experience. Houston will have a new mayor so lets see what happens. I really tip my hat to the HPD officers busting their @ss out there being short handed and all.

[cjmac]

Parker's latest comments regarding police funding during last night's debate :

**

In one of many testy exchanges, he (Locke) criticized Parker's reluctance to commit money to beefing up Houston's police presence.

“That's the same rationale that keeps this city in an unsafe posture,” he said, insisting he would find available funds for police despite ongoing budget difficulties.

Parker shot back by noting that the police budget has grown more than 40 percent in the past six years without any growth in the size of the police force.

“At some time, you have to say, we can't just put more money in the department, we have to do a better job policing,” she said.

[cjmac]

Campaign flier from HPD union:

[Caspian Hawk]

I like the poster but doubt criminals hold guns with their fingers off the trigger like that. lol Probably a cop, should have had the sideways gansta style of pointing! Besides the point , go Locke!

[HoustonCrime]

looks like with our new mayor this might happen?