With violent crime out of control when he took office, Houston mayor John Whitmire said making Houston safe was a top priority.
Today, the city took a step in the right direction with mayor Whitmire announcing at a news conference, a tentative new 5-year deal with the Police Officers Union.
Mayor John Whitmire joined the Houston Police Officers' Union and Police Chief J. Noe Diaz to announce details of a five-year contract with HPOU. This contract includes increased starting officers' salaries, a pay raise for experienced officers, and significant investments in the Houston Police Department's recruitment and retention strategies.
The transformative agreement recognizes the hard work and sacrifice of police officers and makes HPD more competitive with police departments across the state.
The contract includes salary increases (36.5% over 5 years):
- July 2025 – 10% Increase
- July 2026 – 8% Increase
- July 2027 – 6% Increase
- July 2028 – 6% Increase
- July 2029 – 6.5% Increase
- On July 1, 2025, a first-year officer would make $81,600 while receiving a shift and weekend differential.
- Patrol pay for an officer with at least two years of seniority will increase from $600 to $1600 annually. More information is available here.
"That is why I left the senate and ran for mayor" Whitmire said, "To make public safety this cities highest priority, and this is a huge step of showing the rank and file our appreciation for putting their lives on the line each and every day."
Houston police officers will receive 36.5% in raises over the next 5 years, at a cost to the city of $832 million. Last year mayor Whitmire was able to strike a deal with the Houston firefighters.