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The HPOU Governmental Relations Division coordinates the union's mission with
issues associated with our bargaining contract, working conditions, and legislative
or regulatory matters at the local and state level.
 Since
our union successfully petitioned for, and passed, state civil service law
coverage for all classified HPD officers, we have remained a major player in
the local and state political process.
HPOU understands that all aspects of a Houston police officer's career, from
hiring to retirement, are controlled by elected officials at the local and
state level. Therefore, our union has remained committed to excellent governmental
relation services for all Houston police officers.
HPOU successfully lobbied the Texas Legislature to enact laws that established:
- State Civil Service Law for Texas Police and Firefighters
- The Houston Police Officers' Pension System
- Independent third-party hearing examiners for disciplinary appeals
- Bill of Rights and Grievance procedure for HPD officers
- Protections for police officers' permanent personnel file and photos
- State-protected anti-residency requirements
- $250,000 line-of-duty death benefit for all Texas law enforcement officers
- Banned reserve officers from working police extra jobs
- Guaranteed health care benefits and costs for retired officers
- Sole and Exclusive bargaining rights through meet and confer
The Governmental Relations Division also has a separate Political Action Committee
that is comprised of members who voluntarily contribute financial support to
this vital fund each month. The PAC meets regularly with candidates running
for local and state office to discuss the needs of working police officers
and their families.
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