A new officer began duties last week with the Houston Police Department: Alejandro Flores.
Flores, 24, is a 2018 graduate from Houston High School. He completed law enforcement training at the Missouri Sheriff’s Association Training Academy last summer and went on to spend a year working with the Texas County Sheriff’s Department.
Flores said his time at the TCSD gave him a glimpse at what law officers deal with, and it had a profound effect on him.
“When I started working in the jail, I started to notice the kind of people who are out there,” he said. “In just the day-to-day, you don’t usually see the how people can actually act or the people who need help, and it kind of inspired me to want to help the people in my community and make somewhat of a difference to the best of my ability. Seeing it all first-hand really opened my eyes.
“It’s really fulfilling when you know you helped someone and made a difference in their lives.”
Flores’ first day with the HPD was Friday, Aug. 16.
“We are happy to have Alex joining our department,” said HPD Chief Brad Evans. “We have worked with him when he was a member of the Texas County Sheriff’s Department and know he will be a great asset to our department and the community. Alex is a hard worker and will be a proactive member of our department.
“He is eager to learn and has a great demeanor.”
“I have a lot to learn,” Flores said, “but this is a great department. All the guys seem really willing to help.”
Flores said he appreciates how people in this area view men and women wearing a police uniforms.
“From my experience, everyone is pretty respectful toward us,” he said. “You obviously have your crowd that’s not fond of us, but the majority are always supportive of us and even want to help. I’m very grateful for that; it could be a lot worse.”
The addition of Flores brings the HPD’s roster to a full-staff of 10 officers.
“It’s great,” Evans said. “We have a great group of officers that work well together and help each other whenever needed. Being at full-staff allows us to have multiple officers the majority of the time, which is great for the officers and the community.”
To reach the HPD by phone, call 417-967-3348.
