Houston Mayor boosts police cadets" salaries at graduation ceremony

Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced a significant salary increase for police cadets during a visit to the academy on Monday. The base salary for cadets will rise from $42,000 to $52,000, with an additional one-time incentive of $5,000 upon completion of the academy and certification. After finishing their probationary period, officers can expect their salary to increase to $62,574. This pay adjustment aims to attract more individuals to the police force and improve recruitment efforts. Currently, there are 46 cadets in Class #267, set to graduate in March 2026. The new salary is slightly above the national average for new police officers, which is reported to be $50,741. Mayor Whitmire emphasized the importance of law enforcement that prioritizes public safety and community relations, urging cadets to treat individuals they encounter as family members. The mayor's announcement comes in the wake of a leadership change in the Houston Police Department, following the resignation of former police chief Troy Finner amid investigations into unaddressed cases. Whitmire's administration is focused on addressing the financial challenges facing the city, which he described as 'broken' during a recent City Hall meeting. The FY 2025 budget includes provisions for six police cadet classes, indicating a commitment to bolstering the police force. Whitmire encouraged the graduating class to actively participate in recruitment efforts, highlighting the potential for future leadership roles within the department. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to enhance public safety and restore trust in law enforcement in Houston.