HOUSTON — Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz came together Monday to announce a raise for police cadets, plus additional incentives.
While visiting members of Cadet Class #267, Whitmire and Diaz said effective immediately, HPD cadets will get a base salary jump from $42,000 to $52,000.
HPD cadets will also receive a $5,000 one-time incentive for completing the academy and TCOLE Certification. This brings total cadet compensation to $57,000 in the first year.
Upon completion of the probationary period, the officer's salary will increase to $62,574.
Mayor Whitmire said this pay increase will have a "far-reaching and significant" impact on HPD's ability to recruit and retain more police officers.
"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. I've been with police officers on the best days and on the worst days, but always, it's a dedicated group of individuals."
According to the City, the FY 2025 budget includes funding for six police cadet classes.
While speaking with the cadets Monday afternoon, Whitmire encouraged them to help HPD recruit new officers.
"I hope you recommend somebody else to join this fine organization because the better days are in front of us, and someday, I hope one of you will aspire to be a commander or a chief," Whitmire said.
Whitmire also told cadets it's important for them to prioritize the community.
"The model we want in Houston is law enforcement that protects the public, protects yourself, and your family. And I'll even go a step further. I've wanted to say this to a group of officers, certainly cadets. It's appropriate when you pull somebody over, I believe it's your duty to treat that person like a family member," he said.