HOUSTON — Beginning in 2025, Houston Police Academy graduates will receive a $1,000 stipend to help cover the cost of firearms, a policy change aimed at easing financial burdens for new recruits, the Houston Chronicle reported.
The Houston Police Foundation is providing funding for the program, which will benefit 64 cadets in the upcoming graduating class, according to the report.
Doug Griffith, president of the Houston Police Officers Union, said the stipend is a significant step forward. He noted that a new firearm typically costs between $800 and $900 plus tax.
Despite the stipend, cadets will still need to purchase their firearms before qualifying for reimbursement upon graduation, according to the report.
Currently, cadets are required to buy their own firearms at the start of training, and officers receive a $2,000 annual equipment allowance after their first year of service. This stipend can also cover firearm expenses, but it is not immediately available, according to the report.
Cadets entering the academy also receive a $10,000 hiring bonus, paid in installments, with $2,500 available upon joining, which can be used for firearm purchases or other personal expenses.
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Houston’s approach to firearm acquisition differs from many other large police departments, some of which issue weapons directly or allow recruits to make their own purchases without specific requirements. In
Houston, officers must buy their own firearms and adhere to departmental guidelines on acceptable models.
Mayor John Whitmire first highlighted the issue of cadet firearm purchases after taking office in January 2024, according to the report. At the time, he pledged to identify potential sponsors to support cadets and alleviate these expenses.
