Announcements

The Sunset Advisory Commission is reviewing the mission and performance of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and welcomes public comments on whether the agency is still needed and ideas to improve its operations and services. The Texas Sunset Act requires the Sunset Commission to periodically review TCOLE and recommend whether to continue the agency and change state law to improve the agency’s efficiency and effectiveness. The Legislature ultimately will decide whether to continue TCOLE and adopt Sunset’s other statutory recommendations. The Sunset Commission also may adopt management directives for TCOLE that do not require statutory change.

The Sunset process has three stages. First, Sunset staff will evaluate TCOLE, seek public input, and issue a report recommending solutions to problems found. Second, the Sunset Commission will hold two public meetings: a hearing on the staff report and the agency, and a decision meeting to adopt recommendations to the Legislature based on the report and public comments. Third, the Legislature will convene in January 2023 and will consider Sunset’s statutory recommendations in a Sunset bill for TCOLE.

Here are several ways to provide comments and suggestions to Sunset staff on TCOLE's mission, operations, and services:

• Send an email to sunset@sunset.texas.gov
• Submit comments online at www.sunset.texas.gov
• Send a letter to Sunset Advisory Commission, Attn: TCOLE, P.O. Box 13066, Austin, Texas 78711
• Call (512) 463-1300 to speak to Andrew F. McConnell, project manager of the TCOLE review

Please provide your comments by August 1, 2022 to ensure Sunset staff can fully consider your input while conducting their review. Comments submitted before the staff report is published in September 2022 will remain confidential.

Stay informed! Visit www.sunset.texas.gov to sign up for email alerts on the Sunset staff report and the Sunset Commission’s public meetings on TCOLE.

The Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network (TLEPN) is a state-wide program designed to give every Texas law enforcement[1] officer access to a specially trained peer to address stressors, trauma, fatigue, and other needs to combat workforce burnout and end Police suicide and self-harm.  The network will train and mentor police officer volunteers to assist their fellow officers manage stressors both on and off the job. 

Cops helping cops Each volunteer for the Peer Network will receive subject matter expert designed and TCOLE approved training to assist their peers in handling the day-to-day stress and trauma associated with life as a police officer.

The app The uniquely designed software application can be confidentially downloaded onto smartphones and allow both peers and those needing assistance an immediate direct connection to begin communication, as well as a link to appropriate resources.

Completely anonymous The officers will be provided a safe as well as anonymous environment to share their experiences, needs, and concerns without fear of negative consequences.  Anonymity and confidentially is assured.  The legislation prohibits any information being shared and/or being used as action against a licensee.  

Independent of any single department The TLEPN is operated by the Caruth Police Institute at UNT Dallas and is not in the reporting structure for any police department or operated by a state agency.

Access It is recommended that all officers download the app before it is ever needed.  To download, scan the QR code below.  The access code can be found by going to your MyTCOLE 3.0 Account.   https://tcledds.tcole.texas.gov/mytcole/

Contact- For additional information please reach out to The TLEPN team by: 

Email:                TLEPN@untdallas.edu

Phone:              (972)-338-1314  (Informational line)

Website:                https://www.untdallas.edu/cpi/tlepn/

Facebook:        Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network

The final version of the Mental Health Officer certification course has been published!  Please go to www.tcole.texas.gov.  Click on "Training", then "Course Curriculum Materials and Updates".  The Instructor resource guide can be found under "Certificate Courses."

The Mental Health Officer (MHO) certification course -DRAFT is available for public comment.  The draft will be available for comment until Wednesday, April 13th. 

https://www.tcole.texas.gov/content/training-committees-list-and-draft-courses-review

To schedule an exam at TCOLE Headquarters, please email proctor@tcole.texas.gov.  Examinees must bring a photo ID and a $25.00 exam fee on the day of testing.

• Cash or check only.  We will not provide change.

*If an agency needs to schedule a licensing exam for more than ten (10) people, please call 512-963-7700, option 4, then 5.

Our T-CPR course is published!  The official name of the course is Cardiac Emergency Communication. 

A printable copy of your TCOLE license is now available through your MyTCOLE account.  You are welcome to print, screenshot, and/or save this document for your records.

The printed paper license previously mailed to your agency upon initial licensure will no longer be in production.  TCOLE recommends new licensees create a MyTCOLE account and print or save their license after receiving their first appointment

The curriculum can be used now, but must be implemented by July 1st. Please visit the website to download the new curriculum.

For the 2021-2023 training unit, TCOLE is recommending the following courses for continued education.  The courses below are not mandatory but recommended.  TCOLE believes that each of these courses will be highly beneficial to officers in the course of their duties.

House Bill 3712, passed by the Texas Legislature in the 87th Regular Session, includes a provision for TCOLE to specify up to 16 hours of mandatory continuing education for peace officers each training unit and specify those hours before the next unit begins.

CPR training

• Course 3845 (2-16 hours)
• Support officers in their duty to render aid under HB 3712 and SB 2212

Trauma-Informed Sexual Assault Investigations

• Either Course 470 via MyTCOLE or Course 4070 in-person
• Supports the work of the Governor’s Sexual Assault Survivors Task Force

Approaching Alzheimer’s: First Responder Training

• Currently free on the Alzheimer’s Association website, and it generates a certificate until we are able to work out an agreement with them to post it on MyTCOLE.
• Can be reported under course number 3908, Law Enforcement and the Elderly (1-100 hours)

If you have any questions, please contact our Credentialing staff at 512-936-7700 or credentialing.help@tcole.texas.gov.