Houston Police Department looking to hire more officers amid increase in crime
Houston Police Department looking to hire more officers amid increase in crime
More officers could mean less crime in Houston. Do you have what it takes to become a Houston Police officer? HPD is now hiring more officers.
HOUSTON - Many are saying the key to keep crime from increasing any further is to put more police officers on the street. The Houston Police Department has a major effort underway to do just that, bring in more officers.
"We are hiring now, explains Commander Kristine Anthony-Miller with HPD Recruiting. "We want some qualified candidates who are just ready to serve their community and wear this badge."
MORE: Houston police report 70% murder clearance rate for 2021, family waiting for justice reacts
In fact, the Houston Police Department is expecting a few hundred new faces in the uniform, donning police shields.
"The mayor has said we’d like to hire over 400, about 420," adds Commander Anthony-Miller. "We are actively recruiting that and hope to achieve that. We have six academy classes scheduled for this year."
Crime Stoppers of Houston announces Safe Community Institute
Crime Stoppers of Houston has announced a new project called the Safe Community Institute. Director Sydney Zuiker shares details about the institute, which will house the organization's new research center, the Safe Community program, their podcast 'Balanced Voice,' and more.
As the number of violent offenses climbs in the pandemic, bringing in more officers could equal less crime.
"Having more officers absolutely will allow us the ability to better address crime and better serve our community," says the Commander.
As Senior Officer Eric Carr explains HPD is seeking a range of recruits.
"We are one of the largest minority-majority police departments and it’s very important because you want to reflect your community".
New effort announced to fight crime
FOX 26 Reporter Damali Keith has more on the new effort announced by Crimestoppers on Tuesday.
"Diversity is extremely important," Sgt. Jaime Ramos with HPD Recruiting adds.
Women are 17% of HPD's force, 4% over the national average, including 20 year HPD Veteran Commander Anthony-Miller who is a former high school teacher.
"We have officers from every ethnicity, gender and in fact, HPD is ranked higher than the national average for female officers," says Commander Anthony-Miller. "I said you know what for my second career I’m going to do it and it’s been the best decision of my life."
Houston Police recruiters have been busy with events including the Run With Your Recruiter at Memorial Park every other Friday.
"They have the opportunity to speak to recruiters, ask them questions, get a feel for the physical requirements of the job," Sgt. Ramos explains. "We’ll actually do a run and see, kind of gauge where they are as far as their running performance, jumping. We do push-ups."
What's Your Point? Crime and Public Safety in the Greater Houston area (FULL SHOW)
Amid an ongoing crime wave public safety in the Bayou City enduring a genuine decline as murders rise, accountability falls jail in crisis, court dockets are clogged by a local judiciary prioritizing the rights of criminals over the well-being of innocent victims with the community sense of security and free fall. And an unprecedented number of citizens are arming themselves against the threat. With the rule of law under assault, what can be done to turn the tide? FOX 26's Greg Groogan speaks with a panel of experts to learn more.
HPD has over 45 divisions from Robbery, Homicide and Family Violence to working with children and the homeless.
"HPD has everything. If you want to ride a horse. If you want to ride a motorcycle. If you want to ride a bike. If you want to drive a police car HPD has a role for everyone," the Commander says with a big smile and then laughs. "You also have the ability to promote. I’ve been very blessed through my career to be able to promote through the ranks and if you also look at our women in our supervisory roles, three assistant chiefs out of our eight are female. Just saying."
DOWNLOAD THE FOX 26 NEWS APP FOR THE LATEST ALERTS
Commander Anthony-Miller says she’s looking forward to welcoming even more sisters and all qualified candidates to HPD.
Visit hpdcareer.com for the complete list of qualifications. The recruiting events are open to the public, but you don’t have to attend to apply to the department.