• Frequent Questions
  • 
    If I receive pre-trial diversion for a criminal offense, does this make me ineligible for licensure by TCLEOSE?
    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 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, 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.
  • 
    Are the requirements for becoming a jailer the same as a peace officer?
    Some of the standards for being licensed as a jailer or a peace officer (education, conviction history) are the same while others (age, training courses) are not. Commission Rule 217.1 identifies the requirements.
  • 
    Do I need to have both a psychological and a physical examination prior to enrolling in an academy?
    "Effect May 1, 2009, Commission Rule 215.15 requiring both a psychological and physical examination is only for basic peace officer training. The appointing agency may accept these examinations as satisfying the entry requirements so long as the appointment is made within 180-days after graduation. "
  • 
    A nurse-practitioner conducted my physical exam and I had a drug screen conducted by one of those medical facilities. I don’t know if a doctor reviewed the information from the nurse of the drug testing center or not, is that sufficient?
    No, according to Commission Rule 217.1(a)(11) you must have been examined by a physician, selected by the appointing or employing agency, who is licensed by the Texas Medical Board. The physician must be familiar with the duties appropriate to the type of license sought and appointment to be made.
  • 
    I have passed my licensing exam and applied to law enforcement agencies, but no one will hire me. Can TCLEOSE require that an agency hire me?
    No, law enforcement agencies make the hiring decisions.
  • 
    Can I become a peace officer in Texas if I was a peace officer in another state?
    It depends on your work history and training. Go to our website at www.tcleose.state.tx.us and find the Out of state and Federal officer application under the Forms Publications and Research link. 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 TCLEOSE 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 TCLEOSE website at www.tcleose.state.tx.us, when you call.
  • 
    Can I become a jailer in Texas if I was a jailer in another state?
    No, Commission Rule 217.1(g)(2) requires you to successfully complete the current Texas Basic County Corrections Course.
  • 
    What is a PID and why is everyone asking for my PID?
    PID is a unique computer-generated number assigned to individuals for identification in the commission’s 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 those. Otherwise, you may call your TCLEOSE field agent or TLCEOSE headquarters to obtain your PID number.
  • 
    If my department does not have a copy of my L-1 and other TCLEOSE documents, how can I get my file updated?
    "Hopefully all the documents were sent to TCLEOSE and a call to the Credentialing Division can determine if TCLEOSE has copies they can send 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. "
  • 
    What are my responsibilities to TCLEOSE if I am qualified but not appointed or a licensee?
    "You responsibilities are identified under TCLEOSE rule 217 and it is your responsibility to report if you are arrested, charged, or indicted for a criminal offense above the grade of Class C misdemeanor or for any Class C misdemeanor involving the duties and responsibilities of office or family violence, and to report that in writing within 30 days . You must also report to the commission the final disposition of the criminal action within 30 days of the effective date of the disposition. Report any name change or a change of your permanent mailing address to the commission within 30 days. You must also report subsequent DD214’s to the Commission indicating any military discharge other than under honorable or general-under-honorable conditions within 30 days."
  • 
    When does my temporary jailer license expire?
    Temporary jailer licenses expire one year from the date of appointment or upon the third failure of the licensing exam.
  • 
    ...become eligible to receive a telecommunicator’s certificate from TCLEOSE?
    According to Commission Rule 221.13(a) you must have taken course 1013 in order to receive your telecommunicators certificate.
  • 
    ...become eligible to get my intermediate certification?
    "You must meet all proficiency requirements of rule 221.1 and the requirements applying to your license type. These certificates are automatically generated and mailed to your department when the requirements are met.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Licenses and Certifications

There are two 24-month units in the current training cycle which ends on August 31, 2013. The first 24-month unit, begins on 09/01/2009 and ends on 08/31/2011. The second 24-month period, or unit, begins on 09/01/2011 and ends on 08/31/2013, which is also the conclusion date of the 48-month training cycle.

Peace Officer Licensees

Training Mandates

Please pay close attention to the training mandates for the 2009-2013 training unit. The number of required hours has not changed, but the required courses have significantly changed.

Required Hours (Texas Occupations Code 1701.351(a)):

• 2009 to 2011 training unit - 40 hours
• 2011 to 2013 training unit - 40 hours

Required Courses (Texas Occupations Code 1701.351(a-1))

• 2009 to 2011 training unit - Course 3181 State and Federal Law Update Course.
• 2011 to 2013 training unit - Course 3181 State and Federal Law Update Course.


• 4 Year Training Cycle 2009 to 2013
  • Those holding a BASIC PEACE OFFICER Certificate or no certificate will be required to have Cultural Diversity, Special Investigative Topics, and CIT.
  • Those holding an INTERMEDIATE or higher do not have specific courses (other than the law update course)

Proficiency Chart

Peace Officer Proficiency Chart

Reserve Peace Officer and Public Security Officer Licensees

Training Mandates

Required Courses (Texas Occupations Code 1701.352)(e):

• 4 Year Training Cycle 2009 to 2013: Cultural Diversity

Deputy Constable Appointees

Training Mandates

• 4 Year Training Cycle 2009 - 2013: Required Courses (Texas Occupations Code 1701.354): As part of the 40 hour training requirements for Peace Officers mentioned above, deputy constables must complete 20 hours of Civil Process

Jailer Licensees

Training Mandates

Required Courses (Texas Occupations Code 1701.352)(e):

• 4 Year Training Cycle 2009 to 2013: Cultural Diversity

Proficiency Chart

Jailer Proficiency Chart

Telecommunicators

Training Mandates

No training requirements at this time

Proficiency Chart

Telecommunicator Proficiency Chart

Chief Administrators

Training Mandates

Police Chiefs

Each chief must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education through the Bill Blackwood Institute during the current 2 year training unit. (Education Code 96.641)

• Chiefs, newly appointed or elected for the first time, are required to complete course 3780 New Chief’s Education no later than the second anniversary date of appointment or election. (Education Code 96.641(h)).
• Chief’s who have already completed the requirements of a newly elected or appointed chief, must complete course 3740, Chief’s Continuing Education each unit.

 Constables

Each constable must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education through the Bill Blackwood Institute during the current 4 year training cycle. (Occupation Code 1701.3545)

• Newly elected or appointed Constables must take Course 3742 New Constable’s Course within 2 years of appointment or election.  (Occupation Code 1701.3545(d))
• Constables who have already completed the requirements of a newly elected or appointed Constables must take Course 3743, Constable’s Continuing Education each cycle. (Occupation Code 1701.3545(d))

Resources

TCLEOSE Rules

Regional Field Service Agents