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The Basic Texas Peace Officer course is a prescribed training program required of all Texas Peace Officers. This certification is for individuals seeking a career in Law Enforcement. The course is typically conducted three times per year, January (Spring), June (Summer) and October (Fall), dates are subject to change. The January and June courses are considered full-time and the October course is a part-time course during the evening hours. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement has strict guidelines for certification and course registration can only be completed once requirements have been fulfilled. Applicants must meet the following requirements.

  • 21 years of age upon graduation, some exceptions apply
  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • Current valid Drivers License
  • Any previous criminal involvement will need to be discussed with the recruiter
  • No convictions for a Family Violence related offense
  • If prior military must not have a Dishonorable Discharge
  • Take the Placement Test (Reading/Comprehension) administered at EPCC Testing Center
  • Must attend a medical physical examination and drug screening
  • Must attend a Psychological examination
  • Must attend a fingerprint appointment for a criminal history check

The course is divided into five phases of training, in which various topics of instruction are provided. Each phase of training must be successfully completed in order to advance to the higher phase. Once a student completes all phases, a State examination is administered and must be passed to receive certification. Upon certification and completion of the program, an individual can seek employment with Law Enforcement agencies throughout Texas and, dependent upon other state requirements, the certification can be recognized by out-of-state Law Enforcement Agencies. There are multiple agencies that recruit from the academy, to include Federal, State, Local Law Enforcement, Detention Facilities, Universities, and School Districts.

This course is Veteran Assistance approved, and other sources of financial assistance may be available depending upon availability.

EPCC college credit hours may be awarded for completion of this course. The number of credit hours awarded may vary with each academic year toward an AAS in Criminal Justice.

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