hpd, harris county, or sheriff dep?

[chow_yun_fat]

I've done a little research about becoming a law enforcement officer but I would like to know the differences between the Houston PD, Harris County PD and Sheriffs Department. Does anyone work as a police officer that can give me some better insight? What do you guys think would be more fun, being a cop or being an FBI agent?

[Supermac34]

A cop friend told me that the respect, salary, experience level of the different police outfits goes something like this:

1. State Trooper
2. Houston PD (or other major city PD)
3. County Sheriff
4. Constable


I have no clue if this is true. The constable outfit was originally intended to serve warrants and nothing else. They figured out that they could be better funded if they responded to calls, did neighborhood patrols, and issues traffic violations, so they started it doing in a couple of decades ago outside of its charter.

This PO'd Harris County sherriffs quite a bit, so there has always been a little rivalry between them.

My info could be way out of date, but whatever.

[RocketMan Tex]

Aren't the Constables the people who flunked out of the police academy?

They are in my neighborhood, anyway.....

[jlaw718]

Originally Posted by Supermac34 A cop friend told me that the respect, salary, experience level of the different police outfits goes something like this: 1. State Trooper 2. Houston PD (or other major city PD) 3. County Sheriff 4. Constable

I would tend to agree with this. The training for Trooper's (DPS) is in Austin and is supposed to be really good. The pay isn't as good as big city police departments, for the most part, however. Major cities, such as Houston, typically have their own academy. So does the Sheriff's Dept, but many times you start off working in the county jails before an opportunity becomes available to go through their academy to hit the streets. I also work with some really good deputy constables, but I would agree with Supermac that they are looked at as a more 'bottom-tier' agency on the law-enforcement totem pole.

[oomp]

I have heard less than stellar things about the DPS.

The other thing to keep in mind is that with Sheriff or HPD you would have a much different "beat" than if you were DPS.

Don't FBI agents have to have a law degree?

[jlaw718]

Originally Posted by oomp I have heard less than stellar things about the DPS. The other thing to keep in mind is that with Sheriff or HPD you would have a much different "beat" than if you were DPS. Don't FBI agents have to have a law degree?

I agree with that as a Trooper your primary job is to run traffic violations and respond to accidents. It definitely is a different 'beat'. It also seems like that would be pretty boring.

There are several different qualifiers that can help get a person into the FBI. A law degree is one of them. A couple of my law school buddies went that route after graduation.

[codell]

Being a federal agent is the way to go, as far as job security and salary. Degree definitely helps, especially one in CJ.

Instead of aiming for the FBI (from what I hear, if you aren't big on BS and stuff stay away from them), check out some of the other branches of the treasure, like ATF, DEA, HLS, OIG, etc. Keep in mind that no matter which agency you apply with, you are looking at a lengthy screening process (it took my best friend about 6 months to get hired, and the ATF actually interviewed alot of his family and friends).

If you have any type of criminal record, that will be held against you big time with the government.

Also, probably the worst thing is, when you are hired, you go to work where they want you to go to work. So don't think for a second that youll be able to work in your home town and/or, get to stay there.

[Dubious]

I got a star on my car and one on my chest,
A gun on my hip and the right to arrest
I'm the guy who's the boss on this highway
So watch out what you're doin' when you're drivin' my way
If you break the law, you'll hear from me, I know
I'm a-workin' for the state, I'm The Highway Patrol

I'm the highway patrol, the highway patrol,
My hours are long, and my pay is low
But I'll do my best to keep you driving slow
I'm just a-doin' my job, I'm The Highway Patrol

Hehe! that one never gets old.

If you happen to speak a second language go with the HPD, they need you.

[Mr. Brightside]

[micah1j]

The FBI is dull compared to the CIA.

http://www.cia.gov/employment/

[thirdcoastTXpulse]

Originally Posted by chow_yun_fat I've done a little research about becoming a law enforcement officer but I would like to know the differences between the Houston PD, Harris County PD and Sheriffs Department. Does anyone work as a police officer that can give me some better insight? What do you guys think would be more fun, being a cop or being an FBI agent?

If you could carry a gun would you rather do it in street clothes or a uniform.
Military experience is very big on top of a degree. I work for DHS and would except a federal agent position over any local or state LEO. If you want an idea of background info required, do a search for SF-86 (standard form questionnaire for national security positions). Be prepared to take some polygraphs and fill out many, many forms. TS clearance is the hardest thing to get.