POLICE Department
HPD Cadets Visit Several Communities on Cultural Diversity Bus Tour
April 6, 2016 - Dozens of future Houston police officers enrolled in Cadet Class #226 boarded buses today (April 6) to visit and learn the history of four communities throughout the city as part of the HPD's cultural diversity bus tour.
On the first stop, cadets arrived to the Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center at 4014 Market Street. Photos of the cadets at the service center are attached to this news release.
In addition to the Fifth Ward stop, the 67 cadets are also visiting communities in River Oaks, westside and southwest sides of the city. During the cultural diversity tours, community members and guides instruct cadets on the history, culture and socioeconomics of each community.
HPD Acting Police Chief Martha I. Montalvo says this community policing effort is vital in establishing relationships with citizens at an early stage in an officer's career. On the HPD YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnbYR31u0As , Chief Montalvo talks about how policing practices and training have changed since she joined the force.
Started in July 2015 as another HPD community-policing practice, the cultural diversity bus tour allows cadets an opportunity to crisscross Houston to learn about various communities and cultures they soon will be charged with protecting and serving. At each stop, guides from each community provide a 30-minute history and instruction period with a question-and-answer period.
Guides then board buses to give cadets a brief tour of the community.
JFC/VHS 4-6-16
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
