What you need to know
Whitmire said the raise and other additional incentives will help HPD to recruit and retain new officers. These incentives go into effect immediately.
- HPD cadets will get a base salary jump from $42,000 to $52,000.
- Cadets will also receive a $5,000 one-time incentive for completing the academy and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement certification.
- The total cadet compensation increases to $57,000 in the first year.
In their own words
Whitmire made the surprise announcement Monday afternoon while visiting an HPD cadet class, a group of 46 officers in training who will graduate in March 2026.
"This is an investment in the men and women of our police department who put their lives on the line daily to keep our community safe," Whitmire said. "Each one of you has committed to public service. The pay increase is a start in the right direction to let men and women across this state, this nation and this great city know that we want you to become a Houston police officer."
During his administration, Whitmire has been an advocate for increasing public safety. He dedicated nearly half of a $6.7 billion budget to fund initiatives in the Houston Police Department and the Houston Fire Department, including the addition of six police and five fire cadet classes.
In case you missed it
HPD has been struggling with historic understaffing for years, an issue that was most recently brought to light during an internal investigation where the department suspended approximately 260,000 incident reports due to lack of personnel.
The Houston Fire Department has also been dealing with staffing problems while the city and the firefighter's union grappled with contract negotiations.
Houston City Council signed a deal in June, coordinated by Whitmire, settling the eight-year legal dispute. The $650 million agreement included funding back pay to firefighters, as well as items such as pay raises, incentive pay and training.
One more thing
HFD also announced a new initiative Sept. 9 that intends to help mitigate fire personnel staffing shortages. In a Sept. 9 news release, the department announced that it will implement a re-employment program.
Former HFD classified members who separated from the department in the last five years can reapply to join the force and will only be required to participate in re-acclimation training and participate in drills.
