The Houston Police Department serves as the primary representative of law enforcement in the metropolitan area in and around Houston. The members of this police force work in conjunction with the Harris County Sheriff, which has responsibility for the area of the entire county. The stated goals of the HPD are to enforce laws, preserve peace, reduce fear and provide an environment that is safe for local residents.

This Houston Police Department has seen a lot of change during its existence. It began back in 1836, when Texas was an independent nation. The HPD was around when the first stop light was installed on its city streets in 1921. It has also changed with the times, electing its first African-American police chief in 1982.

The members of the HPD force are responsible for enforcing laws within the boundaries of the city of Houston. They also protect order and peace in certain areas surrounding the city. Their headquarters is located downtown at 1200 Travis. This scope forces them to cover an immense area for a municipal force because Houston is a city that is spread out over a wide area when compared to other cities.

The HPD is one of the largest municipal force in the United States. Fourteen assistant chiefs aid the chief of police, Charles McClelland, in overseeing the activities of 220 lieutenants, 900 sergeants. Including patrol officers and other members of the force, the HPD has more than 5400 sworn officers and also uses the services of 1600 civilian employees.

The force oversees 28 storefronts. They also operate four special divisions within their ranks. These divisions deal with vice, auto theft, robbery and special operations. The officers in all beats and divisions have access to various forms of transport, including Crown Victoria patrol and interceptor vehicles and air support in the forms of helicopters. They also have a small fleet of other vehicles for special ground use. Most officers are armed with a .40 S&W and tasers. However, special situations may call for them to use automatic rifles, shotguns and other arms.

Hiring Requirements

In order to become a police officer in the Houston Police Department, applicants must graduate from a police academy which operates within the city limits. The courses offered typically last six months. During this time, cadets must train in weaponry, demonstrate physical capacity, learn defensive driving tactics, study laws and learn how to enforce them according to city ordinances and the limitations of United States Constitution.

Support the Memorial Fund Officer Fatality Update Law Enforcement Officer Fatalities: Preliminary 2011 Numbers November 28, 2011 2011 2010 %Change Total Fatalities  157  141  +11% Firearms-related  57  49  +16% Traffic-related  58  68  -15% Other Causes  42  24  +75% NHTSA Partnership Thanks to a generous grant, the Memorial Fund is proud to partner with theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to continue to research, compile data and statistics, and raise awareness of important law enforcement safety issues.

2011

A Los Angeles police officer is recovering Thursday after he was injured during a deadly shootout with a suspect in South L.A. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck sent out a Twitter message Thursday morning saying his prayers are with the officer and his family. The unidentified officer was shot in the foot about 4 p.m. Wednesday and was expected to recover from his wound, said Officer Karen Rayner of the Los Angeles Police Department. The suspect, who was armed and wanted in connection with a homicide in the LAPD’s Olympic Division, was hit in the shootout and pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Everyone has heard horror stories from DUI accident attorneys about taking a blood alcohol tests and field sobriety tests, whether it’s a friend, family member, or coworker. But, one of the most important things to remember is that being pulled over after having a few drinks isn’t the end of the world.

This article courtesy of the accident lawyer experts at Accidents.com.

In fact, there are many misconceptions about a Breathalyzer test that can actually work out in your favor. The good news is, it’s not a hopeless cause because these tests can be faulty and most experts even believe results can vary by as much as 12 percent.

Here are some of the top myths about breath alcohol tests – and what you really need to know:

Myth #1: Anyone can administer a Breathalyzer test.

Wrong. Actually, every person who administers a Breathalyzer test must be certified. If they’re not, and it’s proven, the evidence can be thrown out of court and considered invalid. Ask your lawyer to request proof of the testing officer’s certification.

Myth #2: Any Breathalyzer instrument will work.

This is also incorrect. All instruments used for breath alcohol tests must be approved and listed on the Federal List of Approved Breath Evidential Instruments. If you later discover the instrument wasn’t on this list, the evidence may be considered invalid in the court of law.

Myth #3: The device only detects alcoholic beverages.

This is one of the biggest reasons Breathalyzers can be considered invalid. They can also detect what’s known as “mouth alcohol” from cold medicine, mouthwash, cough syrup and more. Additionally, individuals who work in factories or manufacturing facilities may blow at a higher level due to the paint fumes, dry cleaning fumes, or gasoline they’ve ingested earlier in the day.

Myth #4: I should avoid burping while taking the test.

In all reality, this could actually work to your benefit. Burping or vomiting immediately before or during the test requires the officer to start the test over. Why? Because each of these acts can contaminate your mouth and thus effect the end results.

Myth #5: If I blew a .08, I’ll be automatically convicted of a DUI.

As mentioned above, many factors play into the results of a Breathalyzer test, and one of the biggest things is post-driving alcohol absorption. In order for your test results to be used against you, the opposing side must prove your BAC at the time of driving. If you consumed a couple drinks immediately prior to driving, this could cause your BAC to read higher than your actual level.

The final decision of whether or not you’re guilty of a DUI depends on the jury and judge in your case – but, knowing each of these factors can help influence the outcome, so consider them when entering into a trial.