Sheila Alldredge
January 22, 2008
Lillie Reed
January 24, 2008
Throughout Houma, residents may notice several signs or billboards for the Houma Police Department recruiting for new police officers. Currently, the department is trying to fill 13 positions.
According to recruiting officer Eric Ricker, several officers have left the agency, taking employment in the private sector, and others are going to law enforcement agencies outside of the city.
The parish government also allotted a few new police officer slots for 2008.
Ricker said this is the biggest decline within the department since 2004, when the city of Houma had a nearly 3 percent unemployment rate.
“During that time it was hard to find good, qualified applicants,” he said.
The department has also completed a recruiting commercial; the public service announcement will air when Police Chief Patrick Boudreaux gives the final OK. The PSA details the requirements for becoming a Houma Police Officer. Ricker said the process is strenuous and lengthy, yet fulfilling and rewarding.
To apply, an applicant must be 20 years or older, have a valid Louisiana driver’s license and a high school diploma or General Equivalent Diploma (GED). The applicant must also pass at least 75 percent of the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Officer Entrance Level Examination.
Ricker said the applicant must submit to a thorough background check and an oral interview.
“Those selected for employment are granted conditional employment,” he said.
This conditional employment is a precursor to a psychological evaluation and medical examination, which includes a drug screening. After completing the pre-employment criteria, the applicant is offered a position as a probationary police officer cadet where he or she will attend the 12-week Police Academy in Lafourche Parish.
The yearly salary for an entry-level police officer in Houma is $27,000, with an added $5,000 state supplemental pay after one year. A $1,000 incentive is given to officers who have completed certification through the state Police Officer Standardized Training, which is a 12-week training on police techniques. A 3 percent increase is also given to those with a college degree.
Police officers are compensated throughout the year with 11 paid holidays – totaling $1,000. And, after obtaining permanent status and passing the police officer first class examination, nearly $2,700 is added to officer’s salary schedules.
“A Houma Police Officer has the potential to make $36,800 after their first year of service,” Ricker said.
The department also offers several benefits like paying for the state POST Academy and military leave is available for those who qualify. The department supplies uniforms and equipment. Also a retirement pension package, free health care, extra or off duty detail work and take home unit privileges are extended to officers.
For more information, contact Ricker at (985) 873-6341 or by e-mail at ericker@tpgc.org.
The Houma Police Department is making a hard press around town for qualified police officer candidates. The agency has 13 vacancies, plus a few new slots for officers added to the budget. * Photo by CHRIS SCARNATI
