FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

I want to become a peace officer in the state of Texas – what must I do?
To be a peace officer you must successfully complete the Basic Peace Officer Course, pass the TCLEOSE state exam, be hired by a accredited law enforcement agency and the licensed by TCLEOSE.

What is TCLEOSE?
TCLEOSE stands for Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education. TCLEOSE is the licensing agency for peace officers in the state of Texas. All individuals desiring to be a peace officer in the state of Texas must be certified through TCLEOSE and comply with TCLEOSE standards.

What must I do to be licensed?
You must successfully complete the Basic Peace Officer training course established by TCLEOSE, pass the state certification and become a member of a law enforcement agency.

How do I get the required training?
The Basic Peace Officer training is available through the Eastfield College Criminal Justice Training Center (Police Academy)

How do I enroll?
Contact or go to Eastfield College Social Science (972) 860-7156, Building LC Room 237 and ask for an enrollment packet.  Follow the instructions and complete the packet, return it to the Social Science/Continuing Ed. Office.

Does the Basic Peace Officer Training qualify for financial aid or veteran’s benefits?
Yes, you should contact the Veterans’ Office @972-860-8346 or Financial Aid @ 972 – 860 - 8385.

I currently have a professional college degree. Do I have to take the Basic Peace Officer Course?
Yes, regardless of your educational background you are required to successfully complete the Basic Peace Officer course and pass the TCLEOSE certification examination. PhD’s, Md’s, Dentists, Engineers, and others have completed the program.

What is the TCLEOSE state certification examination?
After finishing the Basic Peace Officer course, you are required to take and pass the TCLEOSE certification examination with 70% on a 100 scale. You have three (3) chances to pass the examination. Should you not pass in three (3) attempts, you must repeat the Basic Peace Officer course to set for the state examination.

What is the Exit Examination?
The exit examination is an exclusive Eastfield College process to prepare you for the state certification examination. When all phases of training have been completed, you will receive a 20 hour review over all the material in the Basic Peace Officer course. You will be tested each day over the previous day’s work. At the completion of the review week, you will take the 300 question exit examination. Under the Eastfield College Criminal Justice rules, you must make 85% on a 100 scale to receive eligibility to take the state exam.

What if I don’t pass the Exit Examination?
As in the state examination, you have 3 chances to take the exit examination. If you do not pass in 3 attempts, you have the option of tutoring. When the teacher determines you are ready, you will have a fourth attempt on the exit examination.  If you should not pass on the fourth attempt, you will need to repeat the course.

How old must I be to enroll?
You must be 21 years of age to enroll. (Documented by Birth Certificate)

Do I have to be a high school graduate?
TCLEOSE permits 3 options (not a combination) in this requirement.

• a high school diploma; or
• a high school equivalency certificate (GED) and evidence of successful completion of at least 12 hours from an institution of higher education with at least a 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale; or
• an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States after at least 24 months of active duty service

All options must be documented.

Do I have to go through a criminal background check? Or is there a criminal background check?
Yes, TCLEOSE requires a criminal background check through the National & Texas Crime Records Center. This criminal background must not be more than 6 months old. This process is conducted through Eastfield, TCLEOSE and the Department of Public Safety. Your fingerprints will be taken and submitted electronically to DPS. This process can take anywhere from 10 – 14 working days for completion. TCLEOSE will notify us about your status. We (EFCCJ) will contact you about your status. If you are disqualified, you make can contact the Department of Public Safety Records for further information.

What are the qualifications on criminal background?
TCLEOSE and Eastfield College CJ restrict the following from enrollment:

• Conviction of Class B misdemeanor no enrollment within 10 years from date of conviction.
• Conviction of Class A misdemeanor or any felony can never enroll in any classes.
• Anyone having a Class B misdemeanor or above pending before the Grand Jury or court system may not enroll until case is resolved pending disposition.

I have a Jailer, CHL, Private Security license; do I have to go through a background check?
Yes, required by TCLEOSE and all background checks cannot be more than 6 months old.

Do I have to be a citizen?
Yes, must be documented by Social Security, birth certificate, U.S. Passport. Other documents may be considered and verified. (See enrollment standards)

Do I have to have a sponsor?
No you do not, provided you meet enrollment requirements. However, there are sponsored students and it does help with the screening process.

Do I have to take a reading/writing pre-enrollment examination?
Yes, however, if you can document 3 college credit hours in Freshman college English, you may be exempt from the examination. If not, you must take the examination and you must score at a freshman college level reading to be eligible to enroll. If you do not meet that standard, it is recommended that you take remedial reading. It is a good idea to make two (2) or three (3) copies of a college transcript to use as documentation in the screening process.

How much does the course cost?
Tuition per phase is $300.00 and is paid prior to the course starting. With 4 phases, the total tuition cost is $1200.00 Supplies will range from $200.00 to $600.00. The major purchase is a firearm, if you have one, cost is less.

What are the times of the classes?
Eastfield College Criminal Justice (LEA) Training Center offers 3 different paths or options for the training.

• Full day class from  8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MTWRF
• Half day class from 8 a.m. to 12 noon MTWRF
• Half day evening class 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. MTWRF

I am from out of state and was a licensed officer in that state. I want to become licensed in Texas. What should I do?

• First, call the TCLEOSE office in Austin 512-936-7700. Advise them you are an out of state officer.
• You will have to take the TCLEOSE course 1018 and they will advise of other requirements. Eastfield does offer the 1018 course through the academy.

I have allowed my license to lapse, how do I get it reinstated?
Call the TCLEOSE office in Austin 512-936-7700. They can advise you on what you will need to accomplish the reinstatement

Will I get college credit for the course?

There are two (2) options to attain credit.

• When you pass the state certification examination, you can apply through the Eastfield Criminal Justice credit program – Pat Patterson, 972-860-7156.  The college district does have a rule in place requiring you to have 6 college hours – you can discuss this with Mr. Patterson.
• When you pass the state certification examination, you can apply through Rio Salado College www.rio.maricopa.edu/ for college credit.

 

What should I buy before class?
Do not purchase anything. The first class day is orientation and you’ll be told what you need and when you will need it. We hope this will help you budget and will keep you from buying unnecessary items.