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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours does TCLEOSE require reserves to work?
TCLEOSE 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 working for you.
What is the rule that a chief administrator and city manager must comply with when they are hiring someone that already has a license?
The Occupations Code, Section 1701.451 governs the hiring of licensees.
...learn about the structure of the Commission
The Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education is governed by nine members appointed by the governor and the serve with the consent of the senate. The executive director answers to these commissioners.
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...find my field service agent
The state has been divided into seven regions, to find your field service agent go to the field services page on our web site.
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As a chief administrator, what are my responsibilities as they relate to TCLEOSE?
Commission Rule 211.29 governs the responsibilities of agency chief administrators. For more information, visit the Chief Administrator Information and Resources page of our web site.
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."
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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.
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.
...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.
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...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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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. "
...download a form or application
To down forms you must go to the download page and click on the form or item name please follow the link provided.
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...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.
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...get to POSEIT from your web site
You can reach POSEIT by logging in on our front page. Just use your existing user name and password. It will take you to a new page that looks a lot like the POSEIT home page and provides links to go to the POSEIT site to take or register for courses. We are in the process of creating a new TCLEOSE Training Online site to house the old POSEIT courses and we expect to deploy it some time in late Sept 09.
When can TCLEOSE release my records to someone?
"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. However, if you make application with a law enforcement agency, they are required to review all employment history records so you will have to authorize them to review all of your TCLEOSE records. "
...correct errors on my TCLEOSE 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 TCLEOSE through your agency chief administrator or agency training officers. We’ll work with you and your agency to get the proper records included in your record.
Can I get money from the State of Texas for continuing education or college classes?
"The Occupations Code, Section 1701.157(d), states 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 CPA Services Division, if you have questions that are more detailed than Section 1701.157 of the Occupations Code, you or someone at your department can call the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) at 512-463-4530."
Do I need an instructor certificate to teach at an academy?
TCLEOSE does not require an instructor’s certificate; however, the training provider can impose whatever requirements that they deem necessary.
If I have an instructor’s certificate, can I report training?
No, training can only be reported by an authorized training provider or by the chief administrator of a department.
...take the internet training courses provided by TCLEOSE?
..If you already have an account, login on our front page and it will take you to your traiining home page. If you don't have an account, register for a new account first.
...report my continuing education training?
Generally, the training provider or your agency will report your continuing educaton training. You should talk with them first if you suspect it has not been posted. in the Commissoin records. If your question is not resolved by them, please contact us. Inaddition to reporting the training, our rules also require them to maintain those records in accordance with Commisson rules.
...get an exemption if I am called up for military duty?
If you are subject to a military call-up, the legislature has provided for a training exemption. Make sure you have a good quality copy of your orders and send them to the credentialing division at TCLEOSE with a note explaining your situation. Include in your note addresses to contact you if TCLEOSE has any questions.
...keep my peace officer license current?
"The Occupations Code Section 1701.351 requires individuals appointed as peace officers to complete at least 40 hours of continuing education training every 24 month unit of a training cycle. and Section 1701.352 requires specific courses to be completed during the 48 month cycle.
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What training must I have as a first time supervisor?
In addition to the general training requirements outlined in TCLEOSE rule 217.11 for a peace officer, a first time supervisor must within 24 months following the date of appointment as a supervisor, complete training about supervision issues.
What training must I have to keep my peace officer license current if I am a chief of police?
"The Education Code, Section 96.641 requires newly appointed or elected police chief shall complete the initial training program for new chiefs not later than the second anniversary of that individual's appointment or election as chief.
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I hold a reserve officer license, what training must I have in order to keep my license current?
Individuals licensed as reserve officers must receive training in civil rights, racial sensitivity, and cultural diversity at least once every 48 month training cycle.
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..without being appointed, keep my license active?
According to Commission Rule 217.19(a) the commission will place all licenses in an inactive status when the licensee has not been reported to the commission as appointed for more than two years unless the licensee has met and continues to meet the continuing education required by rule 217.11.
...get the required training to serve as a firearms proficency officer for my agency?
Yoiu do not need specialized training to conduct annual firearms qualifications. The chief administrators can appoint anyone they choose to be the firearms proficiency officer for purposes of annual qualification.
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Is the annual firearm proficiency requirement by fiscal year or by calendar year?
Occupatons Code Section 1701.355 refers to annual qualification and Tcleose Rule 217.21 refers to once a year. You should attempt to select a month and stick to it. The intent of the legislation and rule is to qualify once a year/annually.
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