Misdemeanor Waivers for Licensing
I have a disqualifying Class A, B, or C misdemeanor. How do I get a waiver allowing me to obtain a TCOLE license?
Misdemeanor waiver requests are only accepted from an agency chief administrator intending to hire you on a full-time basis. There are no exceptions. For more information, please contact the chief administrator of the law enforcement agency you wish to work for.
What does the agency chief administrator submit to TCOLE to request a waiver?
Required information and documents for a waiver request are listed in TCOLE Rule 211.30. Incomplete waiver request packets will not be accepted by TCOLE.
After the agency chief administrator sends in the waiver request packet, what happens?
The waiver request packet is reviewed by TCOLE staff to determine if it is complete. If complete, the Executive Director will review it to determine if the waiver request is approved or denied. A letter will be sent to the agency chief administrator as to the approval or denial of the waiver request. If the waiver request is approved, it will be presented to the Commissioners for possible ratification during a Commission Meeting. If the waiver request is denied, the agency chief administrator may appeal to the Commissioners for consideration during a Commission Meeting.
The waiver request has been approved by the Executive Director. Am I required to attend the Commission Meeting?
No, both you and the agency chief administrator requesting a waiver on your behalf are not required to attend the Commission Meeting during which the ratification is considered, unless otherwise notified.
The waiver request has been denied by the Executive Director and the agency chief administrator has appealed. Am I required to attend the Commission Meeting?
Yes, both you and the agency chief administrator requesting a waiver on your behalf are required to attend the Commission Meeting during which the appeal is considered. You and the agency chief administrator will present your waiver request to the Commissioners and answer any questions.
Surrender of License
Permanent Surrender
A permanently surrendered license makes you permanently ineligible to hold or obtain any license issued by TCOLE.
I permanently surrendered my TCOLE license. How can I get it back?
Any license permanently surrendered to TCOLE cannot be reissued, reinstated, or have the surrender reversed.
I permanently surrendered one TCOLE license but have other TCOLE licenses. Does it affect my other TCOLE licenses?
Yes. The permanent surrender of one TCOLE license applies to all licenses issued by TCOLE.
Term Surrender
A term surrendered license makes you ineligible to hold or obtain any license issued by TCOLE during the stated term of the surrender.
I term surrendered my TCOLE license. How can I get it back?
Any license term surrendered to TCOLE cannot be reissued, reinstated, or have the surrender reversed. Once the expiration of the stated term for the surrender has passed, you must meet TCOLE's current minimum standards for enrollment or initial licensure as if applying for a new license for the first time. This includes taking the basic licensing course and state licensing examination.
I term surrendered my TCOLE license and would like to get a different TCOLE license. Can I do that?
No. You are ineligible to hold or obtain any license issued by TCOLE until the completion of your term surrender.