Houston Police Department Hosts Recruiting Event

HOUSTON — Houston police are looking for recruits as the department faces a staffing shortage. HPD said there are currently fewer police officers on city streets than there were 25 years ago.

The department held its annual recruitment fair at Discovery Green on Saturday.

“We need to be there from the beginning. We need more officers, or we can hopefully prevent something like this from happening,” HPD Acting Chief Larry Satterwhite said, referring to to the tragic murder of a 12 year old child.

Satterwhite has been with the department for 34 years and said this recruiting event is an opportunity to recruit and also highlight the career paths available.

“The more we see people like us, the more it gives other people an example of what I can do too,” Travion Scott said.

Scott now works in security, but has always dreamed of wearing a blue HPD jumpsuit. He was among those looking for a career on Saturday.

“I feel like as a police officer, I could not only show them something different, but I would also be the motivating person in their life to let them know that there is more here,” did he declare.

Officials said the force needed to be bolstered by about 300 additional troops. Mayor John Whitmire recently approved a measure to increase cadet classes starting in July.

Ariadna Camcho determines what suits her best, whether it’s patrol, swat, K9 or investigations. But just being at Saturday’s event is driven by passion.

“As I grew up and had certain experiences, I guess it encouraged me to want to advocate for others and go into that kind of career,” she said.

It’s people like her and Scott who could make an ideal cadet.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to get out there and make a difference,” Satterwhite said.

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