A 39-year-old cadet was thrown out of the Houston Police Academy on Friday, accused of stealing money from a communal can used to buy coffee, HPD officials said.

Activists are now also questioning HPD's hiring practices. It is unclear if the department had access to information about the incidents at the sheriff's office since he was allowed to resign.

HPD Class 63 Celebrates 50 Years “I want Houston to understand the proud tradition of the Houston Police Department.” Chief Troy Finner As HPD Cadet Class 263 goes through the HPD Academy, HPD ...

Houston Police K-9 officers salute as taps is played during a memorial service honoring fallen HPD K-9 Officer Aron at the Houston Police Academy on Friday, June 16, 2023 in Houston.

Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz salutes after pinning a badge on the new police officers during the graduation ceremony for Houston Police Academy Cadet Class 264.

HPD accepts between 50 and 100 recruits per police academy class. An HPD police recruit’s annual salary starts at $80,000 and rises to about $83,000 after one year on the job.

Activists are questioning HPD's hiring practices. "We do not need the Harris County Jail and all the violence there coming out onto the streets of Houston," a civil rights attorney said.