PEARLAND, TX (KTRK) -- As people push into the suburbs, looking for a place to live, there's a push for more police officers to meet the needs of a growing community. The city of Pearland is looking to hire, and they're offering bonuses to stay competitive.
All they're asking for is a high school diploma or GED, along with at least 30 college credits.
The Pearland Police Department is looking to recruit at least ten officers and the money could be right.
"I definitely think we have a competitive salary," said Zenaida Davis, a community service officer with Pearland PD. "We start our basic peace officers at $51,000 plus, which is very competitive compared to your other agencies.
Pearland police say for the first time ever, they are offering a hiring incentive for certified officers to apply and if they're accepted, they'll get $5,000.
That incentive is for police with at least two years experience, but typical starting pay - experience or not - is exactly $51,294.23 for Pearland PD.
Police here say that with more than 108,000 people, Pearland is one of the fastest-growing communities in the Houston area and that means a strong need for more officers.
"All you have to do is drive around and see we're growing," said Lieutenant Pat Savage of Pearland PD. "Businesses, multi-residential dwellings -- it's growing and along with it comes the need for more police service."
A starting salary of about $51,000 may sound decent, but how does it stack up to other police departments?
Houston Police Department's starting salary is about $35,000.
Sugar Land is closer to Pearland's salary at about $50,000, but the overall winner is League City. Their first-year officers make close to 53,000.
These salaries are competitive because most police departments are trying to recruit the same people from the same area.
If you'd like to apply to be a Pearland police officer, applications are due Nov. 20.