Law Enforcement Academy Purpose

The purpose of the Middle Rio Grande Regional Law Enforcement Academy’s Basic Peace Officer course, a 704 hour course of study, is to prepare prospective law enforcement officers for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement TCOLE Certification Exam. The Academy also offers TCOLE in-service courses at both intermediate and advanced levels for the purpose of enhancing the Peace Officers’ level of proficiency and meeting training requirements. Students who successfully complete the Academy will earn a Level 1 Certificate in Criminal Justice and will be able to sit for the TCOLE Basic Peace Officer State Exam. In addition, upon successful completion, the student may apply the Level 1 Certificate towards the Criminal Justice Associate of Applied Science (AAS – Basic Peace Officer option).

Admission Requirements- Basic Peace Officer Program

To be admitted, a prospective student must comply with TCOLE rule 217.23 http://tcole.texas.gov/ in addition:

• be a U.S. citizen. 

• be 20.5 years of age (18 w/60 college hours or 2 yrs. active duty) 

• must have High School Diploma or GED 

• have no felony conviction. 

• have no conviction of Class B misdemeanor in the past 10 years. 

• not currently be under indictment for any violation. 

• have never been convicted of any level of Family Violence. 

• not be prohibited by Federal or State law from operating a motor vehicle. 

• not be prohibited by Federal or State law from possessing firearms or ammunition. 

• The Level I Certificate is TSI-waived; however individuals are encouraged to take the TSI Assessment and, if necessary, enroll in the appropriate developmental education courses in preparation to continue to the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Criminal Justice. Individuals who have Military Exemption or individuals with a B.S. or B.A. degree or higher will not be required to test.

• complete an SWTJC Application for Admission. 

• submit a completed Criminal History Check form (FAST form). 

• be physically sound for the performance of duty appropriate to the type of license sought. Submit Physician, psychological and Drug Screening results (TCOLE L-2 & L-3 Forms).

 

A student who has completed all coursework for the A.A.S. Criminal Justice degree except for “Basic Peace Officer” courses (CJLE 1506, CJLE 1512, CJLE 1515, and CJLE 1524) may apply to the Middle Rio Grande Law Enforcement Academy in order to complete these courses.

More information can be found on the SWTJC Law Enforcement Academy page.