General | Chief Administrators | Licensees | Online Training
What is the formal structure of the Commission? The Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) is governed by nine members appointed by the governor and they serve with the consent of the senate. The executive director answers to these commissioners.
Link: TCOLE Commissioners
Who is my field service agent? The state has been divided into eight regions, to find your field service agent go to the field services page on our web site.
Link: TCOLE Field Agents
If I receive pre-trial diversion for a criminal offense, does this make me ineligible for licensure by TCOLE? Not if you successfully complete the terms of the pre-trial diversion agreement. Pre-trial diversion is different from deferred adjudication and court-ordered community supervision or probation. However, law enforcement agencies may opt not hire you if they determine it is not in their best interest.
When I was a young adult, I received deferred adjudication for a Class A Misdemeanor. Someone told me that this disqualifies me from becoming a peace officer in Texas, is that correct? Yes, an adult Class A Misdemeanor conviction or court-ordered community supervision (adjudicated or deferred) is a lifetime disqualification for licensure as a peace officer or jailer in the state of Texas, unless an agency applies for and receives a waiver on your behalf from the Commission.
Are the requirements for becoming a jailer the same as a peace officer? No, Rule 217.1. identifies the specific requirements for each license.
Do I need to have both a psychological and a physical examination prior to enrolling in an academy? Yes, per Texas Occupations Code Sec. 1701.306, the commission may not issue a license to a person unless both are completed.
I have passed my licensing exam and applied to law enforcement agencies, but no one will hire me. Can TCOLE require that an agency hire me? No, law enforcement agencies make their own hiring decisions.
Can I become a peace officer in Texas if I was a peace officer in another state or for the Federal Government?
It depends on your work history and training. Go to the FORMS AND APPLICATIONS page of our website and find the Out of State/Federal Application Packet. This application explains which documents must be submitted to be considered for the Texas licensing process. If after reviewing the requirements you have questions, gather your training records and call TCOLE at 512-936-7700. Because each situation is different, your call could be lengthy. Make sure you have paper, pencil, and if possible, access to the TCOLE website at www.tcole.texas.gov when you call.
Can I become a jailer in Texas if I was a jailer in another state? No, Rule 217.1 requires you to successfully complete the current Texas Basic County Corrections Course.
How do I download forms? Go to the Forms, Publications, and Research page and click on the form or item name to download the form.
Link: FORMS Link: PUBLICATIONS
How do I schedule a licensing exam? You should call the exam site center that supports your area. For a list, go to the exam site page. For further information, you can contact us at 512-936-7700.
Link: Exam Sites
Can my agency get money from the State of Texas for continuing education or college classes? Section 1701.157(d) of the Occupations Code states that a local law enforcement agency shall use money received under Subsection (a) only as necessary to ensure the continuing education of persons licensed under this chapter or to provide necessary training, as determined by the agency head, to full-time fully paid law enforcement support personnel in the agency. LEOSE funds are administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Services Division. If you have questions that are more detailed than the Occupations Code, you or someone at your department can contact the Executive Director of TCOLE at (512) 936-7712.
Do I need an instructor certificate to teach at an academy? TCOLE does not require an Instructor Certification for the majority of the courses taught. The instructor must, however, be designated as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) by the Training Coordinator.
If I have an instructor's certificate, can I report training? No, training can only be reported by a training provider or by the chief administrator of a department.
How do I get the required training to serve as a firearms proficiency officer for my agency? The chief administrator can appoint anyone they choose to be the firearms proficiency officer for purposes of annual qualification so there is no specialized training required.
What are the requirements for peace officers working off-duty jobs? TCOLE does not set those requirements, the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Bureau establishes those requirements. There are some exemptions for law enforcement personnel under 1702.322 of the Occupations Code. Please call (512) 424-7710 or see the Private Security Bureau web site for additional information. http://www.dps.texas.gov/rsd/psb/News/peace_officer.htm
Chief Administrators | General | Licensees | Online Training
How many hours does TCOLE require reserves to work? TCOLE does not have any requirements; this is a local agency decision.
I am the chief administrator of an agency and want to carry someone's commission. Is it OK that the person will not actually be working for my agency? If an individual shows to be appointed in any capacity by your agency, you may be responsible for any actions that person takes. It is highly advisable to contact the legal counsel of your governing body in order to determine if doing this would be in your agency's best interests. If you are "carrying" someone's license, they are considered to be working for you, and are required to have the same appointment documentation and training as any other officer working for the agency.
What is the requirement that a chief administrator and city manager must comply with when they are hiring someone that already has a license? In addition to normal appointment documentation, Section 1701.451 of the Occupations Code requires that an agency head must complete the F5R process. The F5R process requires specific steps, including: obtaining an information release form, obtaining the licensee’s history with TCOLE, and contacting every law enforcement agency to which the licensee has previously been appointed.
As a chief administrator, how can I find out what my responsibilities are regarding TCOLE? Rule 211.29 identifies the responsibilities of agency chief administrators. For more information, visit the Chief Administrator Information and Resources page of our web site.
Link: Chief Administrator
As sheriff, how can I determine if I am responsible for a jail/lock-up facility? If, during the calendar year, one of your county's prisoners spends 1 hour or less in a facility (public or private) in your county, then you are responsible for the jailers appointed or employed there. This responsibility includes appointment (Rule 217.7) and training (Rule 217.11) for all jailers.
Is the annual firearm proficiency requirement by fiscal year or by calendar year? Rule 218.9 states the requirement is per calendar year.
As chief of police, what training am I required to complete? 96.641 of the Education Code requires each police chief to complete 80 hours of initial training through the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute (New Chief’s Training) within 2 years of appointment. Each complete Training Unit after this, you must complete an additional 40 hours of training at Bill Blackwood (Chief’s Continuing Education).
As Constable, what training must I have to keep my peace officer license active? Section 1701.3545 of the Texas Occupations Code requires each constable to complete at least 40 hours of New Constable Education at Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute. Each complete 4 year Training Cycle after this, you must complete an additional 40 hours of Constable’s Continuing Education.
As Sheriff, what training must I have to keep my peace officer license active? Sheriffs do not have a specialized training requirement, above that required of most peace officers. Section 1701.351 of the Occupations Code requires individuals appointed as peace officers to complete at least 40 hours of continuing education training every 24 month unit; Section 1701.352 requires specific courses to be completed during the 48 month cycle.
Licensees (Peace Officer, Jailer, Telecommunicator) | General | Chief Administrators | Online Training
What is a PID and why is everyone asking for my PID? Your Personal Identification Number (PID) is a unique computer-generated number assigned to individuals for identification in the TCOLE electronic database. If your agency has TCLEDDS, they can access this information for you. If you have recently been licensed or if you have purchased a photo ID license, your PID will be on either of those. Otherwise, you may call your TCOLE field agent or TCOLE headquarters to obtain your PID.
What are my responsibilities to TCOLE if I am a licensee? Your responsibilities are identified under Rule 211.27.
If my department does not have a copy of my L-1 and other TCOLE documents, how can I get my file updated? If all the appointment documents were sent to TCOLE, a call to the Credentialing Division may determine if TCOLE has the copies that can be sent to you and your department. You may also want to contact your examining physician and psychiatrists/psychologist if your L-2 or L-3 are missing.
How do I become eligible to get my basic, intermediate, advanced, or master's certification? You must meet all proficiency requirements of Rule 221.1 and the requirements applying to your license type. If you are appointed by an agency, your Certificate will award to your record automatically when all requirements are met. You may purchase a quality paper display copy in the Awards section of your MyTCOLE account.
When does my temporary jailer/telecommunicator license expire? Temporary jailer/telecommunicator licenses expire one year from the date of appointment, or, upon successful completion of the basic licensing course requirements and passing the State Exam.
How do I become eligible to receive a Telecommunicator Operator's License from TCOLE? If you are reported by an agency as a Telecommunicator, when the Basic Telecommunications (Course 1013 or equivalent), Rules Overview Course (1305), and successful passing of the State Exam are posted to your record the License is automatically generated and mailed to your department.
How do I report my training? Generally, the training provider or your agency will report your training. You should talk with them first if you suspect it has not been posted to your record. If you are not currently appointed by an agency, you must complete training at a training provider, who will report the training for you.
How do I get a waiver from continuing education requirements if I am called up for military duty? If you are subject to a military call-up, Section 1701.351(c) of the Occupations Code provides for a training waiver. Make sure you have a good quality copy of your orders and send them to the Credentialing Division at TCOLE with a cover letter containing an explanation. Be sure to include your current contact information and PID number.
How do I keep my peace officer license active? Section 1701.351 of the Occupations Code requires individuals appointed as peace officers to complete at least 40 hours of continuing education training every 24 month unit and 1701.352 requires specific courses to be completed during the 48 month cycle.
What training must I have as a first time supervisor? In addition to the general training requirements outlined in Occupations Code Section 1701.351 for a peace officer, 1701.352(d) requires each peace officer appointed to their first supervisory position, this training must be completed within the 12 months prior to or following the date of appointment as a supervisor.
I hold a reserve officer license; what training must I have in order to keep my license active? Section 1701.352(e) of the Occupations Code requires individuals licensed as reserve officers must complete Cultural Diversity at least once every 48 month training cycle.
As a Deputy Constable, is there special training I must have to keep my peace officer license active? Section 1701.354 of the Occupations Code requires you to complete a 20 hour course of training in civil process during each 48 month training cycle. These hours may be counted as part of the 40 hours required every 24 month unit.
How do I keep my license active without being appointed? The commission will place all licenses who are not currently appointed in an inactive status when the licensee has not met the legislatively mandated training requirements by the end of a Training Unit or Training Cycle.
When can TCOLE release my records? Your personal status report, a report of your training, certificates, and length of service is a public record and releasable to anyone that requests under Chapter 552 of the Government Code (Open Records Act). The F-5 separation reports are an exception unless the individual resigned or was terminated due to substantiated incidents of excessive force or violations of the law other than traffic offenses.
How do I correct errors on my TCOLE service records? First, gather your documentation and see the person in your agency that is responsible for training records to see if your local records also have these same items missing. Once your local record is correct, have these records sent to TCOLE through your agency chief administrator or training coordinator. We'll work with you and your agency to get the proper information included in your record.
Online Training | General | Chief Administrators | Licensees
How do I update my contact information? You can update your address, telephone and email contact information through your MyTCOLE account.
How can I create an account? There are links to the MyTCOLE account from the main page of our website. Once you've established an account, login to (1) register for and take online training, (2) see your account information, and (3) access a list of courses you've taken during your law enforcement career.
Link: MyTCOLE
How do I update my contact information? You can update your address, telephone and email contact information through your MyTCOLE account.
How can I create an account? There are links to the MyTCOLE account from the main page of our website. Once you've established an account, login to (1) register for and take online training, (2) see your account information, and (3) access a list of courses you've taken during your law enforcement career.