The Houston Police Department (HPD), a cornerstone of security in the City of Houston, Texas, is the prime law enforcement agency maintaining peace and order in the city and its vicinity.
With a commendable force of approximately 5,300 officers and 1,200 civilian staff members, it proudly stands as the fifth-largest municipal police department in the United States. Located at 1200 Travis in the heart of Downtown Houston, the HPD headquarters radiates an air of authority, ensuring the fourth-largest city in the United States remains a safe haven for its citizens.
Get your Texas accident report
Tell us about the crash and we will help you find your report.
This website is a pooled attorney advertisement. AccidentReports.com is not a law firm or a lawyer referral service, and nothing on this site is legal advice. Disclaimer
Last updated
Houston Police Department at a glance
Houston Police Department is a police department that takes crash reports in Houston, Texas.
Fatal crashes in Houston, 2024: NHTSA FARS records 331 fatal crashes and 351 deaths (all agencies in the city).
Crash-level figures are from the NHTSA FARS 2024 Annual Report File, the latest year published; the file can still be revised.
Sections of the Houston Police Department
The HPD consists of several divisions, each tasked with unique roles to ensure the smooth functioning of the department:
Patrol Division: The Patrol Division is the city’s first line of defense against crime and disorder, responsible for maintaining neighborhood peace, responding to emergencies, and providing immediate solutions to problems that arise on Houston’s streets.
Investigative Division: This division takes over when incidents require deeper scrutiny. The investigative officers are responsible for the follow-up of cases, gathering additional evidence, interrogating suspects, and ensuring justice by solving crimes.
Administrative Division: The Administrative Division ensures smooth internal operations of the department. They handle the paperwork, maintain records, manage personnel and recruitment, and handle any lost and found items reported to the department.
Traffic Enforcement Division: This specialized division is committed to maintaining traffic discipline in the city, enforcing traffic regulations, managing the flow of traffic, and preventing and investigating road accidents.a
History of the Houston Police Department
The HPD has an illustrious history dating back to 1841, reflecting the city’s growth and its changing law enforcement needs. Established to combat the rising wave of crime in the rapidly growing city, the HPD has since become an integral part of Houston’s urban fabric.
The department’s history is marked by significant events, including a fatal riot that occurred during World War I. The riot, sparked by racial tensions between black and white soldiers, necessitated the intervention of federal troops and the declaration of martial law to restore peace in the city.
How the Houston Police Department Serves the Area
The HPD extends its services beyond just law enforcement. It engages with the community on many fronts, promoting crime prevention, educating the public about safety measures, and establishing a sense of shared responsibility among citizens for maintaining law and order.
Additionally, the HPD’s jurisdiction overlaps with several other law enforcement agencies, such as the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. This cooperative relationship enables these entities to more effectively combat crime and maintain public safety across the city.
With Houston ranking 68th in U.S. crime rates, the HPD is continually adapting to the city’s changing needs. By fostering strong community relations and pursuing proactive measures, the Houston Police Department is committed to reducing crime and ensuring that Houston continues to be a safe and secure place to live and work.