The mission of Eastfield College is to provide excellence in teaching and learning.
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?
The first step is to obtain an Eastfield College Academy Enrollment packet. You may pick it up at the Eastfield College Police Academy - W Building on the Eastfield Campus between 7 am and 10 pm. Monday through Saturday. Packets are in the hanging files in the hall way. A second option is Building G - Room 237 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If after 4:00 p.m., you can go to the Evening Office C – 204, 4 - 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Once you have obtained the packet, follow the instructions and have fingerprints taken, complete all other informational needs requested in the packet. Return the completed packet to W Building Room 101. It will take 10 - 14 working days to screen your information. We will call you when the screening is completed. (You may request that the packet be mailed to you – call 972-391-1084 or 972-860-7239 – it does lengthen the processing time.)
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)
Is there a maximum age?
No, however, you must take and pass a physical examination (documented) related to the tasks that an officer would perform. Anyone over 35 years of age is limited to departments that are not state civil service.
Do I have to be a high school graduate?
TCLEOSE permits 3 options (not a combination) for enrollment.
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:
I have a Jailer, CHL, Private Security license; do I have to go through a background check?
Yes, all potential students must have a background check. It is a mandatory requirement 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 $350.00 and is paid prior to the course starting. With 5 phases staring in the fall of 2010, the total tuition cost is $1520.00 with the 5th phase being $120.00 Supplies will range from $200.00 to $600.00. The major purchase is a firearm, if you have one, cost is less.
Starting Fall Semester 2010 (9/1/2010) Phases 1, 2, 3, & 4 will be $350.00. Phase 5 will be $120
What are the times of the classes?
Eastfield College Criminal Justice (LEA) Training Center offers 3 different paths or options for the training.
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?
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.
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.
Will I be required to do Physical Training?
Yes, Physical Training will begin Fall 2010. You will be given a pretest to determine your physical capabilities. At the conclusion of the training you will be retested to determine your progress.