Cadet Code of Conduct Overview

Cadet Code of Conduct and Standards

• The Houston Police Academy operates on the premise that cadets are mature and responsible individuals who are committed to succeeding in their chosen profession.
• The academy's environment is para-military, instilling discipline necessary for a successful police career.
• Cadets are expected to meet academic, firearms, driver's training, physical training, and defensive tactics requirements for graduation.
• Academic standards, uniform regulations, and personal appearance are all strictly enforced throughout the training period.
• The training program is designed to closely resemble the realities of field assignments, despite the unavoidable differences in functional aspects.
• The academy emphasizes the necessary conformity required for successful police work.

Commander's Message

• Cadet Class 270 is congratulated for successfully completing the intensive and lengthy recruitment process.
• The next six months will be challenging with academic and physical demands.
• Maintaining integrity, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic are three keys to success in the academy.
• Cadets are encouraged to support and encourage each other in order to achieve their goals.
• The training program builds camaraderie and fosters a sense of community among the cadets.

Uniform Regulations

• Cadets are required to wear only officially sanctioned uniform items during normal duty hours.
• Specific uniform items are issued by the department.
• Cadets are responsible for providing additional uniform items, such as footwear, appropriate underclothing, and gym attire.
• Uniform items must meet specific requirements in terms of cleanliness, condition, and adherence to specified criteria.
• Certain uniform items (e.g., shirts, jackets) are not to be worn during commuting to or from the academy, only during official hours.
• Cadets are responsible for maintaining all uniform items in good repair and cleanliness.
• Strict adherence to uniform regulations is mandatory in all circumstances.

Personal Appearance Standards

• Cadet's hair must be neat, clean, trimmed, and present a professional image.
• Hair should not be excessively styled or colored in a manner that disrupts the uniform appearance.
• Male cadets are expected to maintain a low-cut hairstyle, while female cadets are required to maintain a bun or similar style.
• Wearing makeup is prohibited, allowing only clear lip balm.
• Fingernails must be clean, short and neatly trimmed.
• Cadets are expected to maintain good personal hygiene and cleanliness.
• Cadets are not permitted any visible jewelry, tattoos, face piercings or gauges.

Administrative Procedures

• Emergency evacuation procedures are detailed in the case of fire or any other emergencies.
• A chain-of-command exists for addressing various issues and situations.
• Immediate notification of any incidents is crucial as per protocol.
• Cadet's are expected to attend all classes and training activities.
• Any reasonable absences must be approved by the appropriate authority.
• Disciplinary measures exist for violations of policies or regulations.
• Disciplinary action, up to and including termination, may be taken for any violations.

Testing, Scoring, and Academic Requirements

• Cadets will be tested on knowledge covered in the course material.
• Cadets may submit only one retest if they do not score 70% or higher on a given exam.
• The final exam score will be a final cumulative score reflecting the performance from various areas of testing.
• Individual proficiency will be individually assessed so that failure in one area does not lead to an overall failing grade.
• Cadets must pass the TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) exam with a minimum score of 70% in order to qualify to receive a license to practice.

Training Requirements/Skills

• Cadet participation in defensive tactics and physical fitness training is required.
• Cadets will be expected to maintain correct uniform attire while participating in physical fitness training.
• Specific details concerning safety equipment are included in the training procedures.
• Cadets will be expected to comply on-duty or off-duty with all department policies.

Firearms Training

• All cadets are required to complete the Firearms Training Program before graduating from the academy.
• Cadet must pass the primary weapon qualification, reduced-light qualification, shotgun qualification, and precision courses.
• The requirements for passing each course can be found within the text, including the scores required to pass each course.

Drivers Training

• Completion of the Driver's Training course is required for graduation from the academy.
• The final course score must be above 70%.

Other Information

• A detailed chain-of-command is described and the roles and responsibilities of various staff members are defined.
• Standards for personal appearance and behavior are explicitly outlined.
• The Houston Police Department procedures concerning disciplinary action and re-employment are outlined.