Robert H. Jackson has dedicated his career to public safety and public service. He has channeled extensive insight acquired from serving in a demanding and dangerous profession into exceptional problem-solving skills that are critical in situations that require thoughtful, diplomatic, and responsible consideration and action.

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Robert joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18, and served his country in the Military Police Corps in the U.S. and Europe.

 

Upon returning to the U.S., Robert enrolled in the Houston Police Department Academy and graduated at the top of Class #129 in 1985, while serving as class president. He patrolled the streets of Houston for years, witnessing firsthand the effects of violent crime on children, families and communities.

 

After being promoted to Sergeant in 1989, Robert served in a variety of positions, including head of the Mayor of Houston’s security detail; supervisor of a divisional tactical unit responsible for street level narcotics investigations, auto theft sting operations, vice investigations and the execution of felony arrest and search warrants. He also as served as a divisional Internal Affairs investigator investigating complaints of misconduct by classified HPD employees.

 

As an HPD Lieutenant, Robert was assigned to HPD’s Night Commander position where he served as the direct representative of the Chief of Police at large-scale incidents that occurred during nighttime/weekend hours. He retired from the department in 2010. 

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During his 25 years of service with HPD, Robert received HPD’s Meritorious Service Award for exceptional valor under fire, two Chief of Police Unit Citations, and various letters of commendation from superior officers and citizens. He also received specialized training through the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Department of State and attended and graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy.

 

While serving as a peace officer, Robert graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston Downtown and earned a law degree with honors from the University of Houston Law Center.

 

With law degree in hand, Robert joined (former) Council Member C.O. “Brad” Bradford's office as Chief of Staff, and then went on to work for the Houston First Corporation as Chief Policy Officer. While in that role, Robert also served as Associate Judge for the City of Houston Municipal Court system from 2013-15, where he presided over criminal court proceedings relating to city ordinance and state code violations. These roles helped him further develop sophisticated problem-solving processes and collaboration skills. 

 

More recently, Robert joined the Harris County District Attorney’s Office as Chief Investigator in January 2021, where he continues to lead the Harris County District Attorney’s Office’s Investigations Bureau comprised of veteran law enforcement officers who have served communities throughout Texas and across the country. 

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He has been active in the community, having formerly volunteered as board member and President for the 250-square-mile Emergency Services District 11, as an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow and as a member of the American Inns of Court.