The Basic Peace Officer Course satisfies the basic training required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement for peace officer licensing. The Basic Peace Officer Course is offered during the spring and fall semesters. Graduates of the Police Academy who pursue a criminal justice degree at Lamar Institute of Technology may receive credit for CRIJ 1301, CRIJ 1306 and CRIJ 2328.

Minimum Standards for Entry

Prospective cadets must meet the minimum standards for training established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

CRIMINAL HISTORY

All Applicants must:

• Not be currently charged with or under indictment for any criminal offense
• Have never been convicted of any family violence offense
• Have never been convicted of any felony offense
• Have never been convicted of any Class A Misdemeanor offense
• Not have been convicted of a Class B Misdemeanor offense within the last ten years
• Have never received deferred adjudication, court-ordered community supervision, or probation for any felony offense
• Have never received deferred adjudication, court-ordered community supervision, or probation for a Class A Misdemeanor
• Not have received deferred adjudication, court-ordered community supervision, or probation for a Class B Misdemeanor within the last ten years
• Not be prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle
• Not be prohibited by state or federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition
• Not have excessive or recent criminal arrests or detentions which indicate a lack of maturity, poor judgment, or deficient moral character

AGE

Applicants must be 21 years of age by the first day of the course (Exceptions that still comply with Rule 217.1 made at the director’s discretion).

EDUCATION 

Applicants must have received a high school diploma OR received a high school equivalency (GED) certificate.
(This education requirement may be waived if the applicant has received an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States after at least 24 months of active duty service) (OC 1701.255);

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Applicants must be examined by a physician authorized by the Academy and be determined to:
Be physically sound and free from any defect which may adversely affect the performance of duty appropriate to the type of license sought.
Show no trace of drug dependency or illegal drug use after a physical examination, blood test or other medical test.

Have no obvious medical condition or impairment that would preclude the applicant from fulfilling the requirements of the course
(The director may, at his discretion, require such an examination at any time after acceptance into the course)

MENTAL HEALTH

Applicants must pass a psychological evaluation, demonstrating them to be in satisfactory psychological and emotional health to serve as a peace officer.
 (The director may, at his discretion, require such an examination at any time before or after acceptance into the course)

ACADEMIC ABILITY 

Independent applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform academically by passing a basic knowledge test.   POLICE APPLICANT PREPARATION GUIDE

MILITARY SERVICE 

All applicants having military service may not have been discharged from any military service under less than honorable conditions including, specifically

Under other than honorable conditions
Bad conduct
Dishonorable
Any other characterization of service indicating bad character

PRIOR LICENSURE 

All applicants must not have had a license denied by final order or revoked, or have a voluntary surrender of license currently in effect.