General | Chief Administrators | Licensees | Online Training
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 and any related criminal charges are dismissed. Pre-trial diversion is different from court-ordered community supervision or deferred adjudication. However, law enforcement agencies can decide not to hire you.
In the past, 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, a Class A misdemeanor conviction or deferred adjudication is a lifetime disqualification for licensure by TCOLE as a peace officer, county jailer, or telecommunicator in Texas, unless a law enforcement agency applies for and receives a waiver on your behalf from TCOLE.
Are the requirements for becoming a jailer the same as a peace officer? No, TCOLE Rule 217.1 identifies the specific requirements for each license.
Do I need to have both a psychological and a medical examination prior to enrolling in an academy? Yes, per Texas Occupations Code § 1701.306, TCOLE may not issue a license to a person unless both are completed.
I have passed my state 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.
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? The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts administers the Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (LEOSE) fund, which is established under Section 1701.157(d) of the Occupations Code. This section 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.
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.
Chief Administrators | General | Licensees | Online Training
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Can TCOLE release my records to the public? Without a subpoena, the only records that are releasable under Texas Government Code Chapter 552 (the Public Information Act) are your personal status report, your training record, certificates, and your length of service.
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 can I create an account? Go to the TCOLE Login Hub, and click sign up below the login.
Link: TCOLE Login Hub