Requirements for a Texas Peace Officer License

Becoming a licensed peace officer or county jailer in Texas is not a short process. You will be asked about your educational experience, your criminal history and take a variety of exams to assess whether you are qualified. You then need to take a licensing course certified by the state and obtain a job offer before you can be considered for licensure.

Education

A peace officer in Texas must hold a high school diploma or equivalency certificate, or have served in active duty service in the military for at least two years and received an honorable discharge. These requirements can be waived if the candidate has obtained 12 credits from an accredited tertiary institution. Peace officer trainees who are 18 must have completed 60 credits or served on active duty for at least 2 years, other applicants must be at least 21 years old.

Medical and Psychological History

A physical exam will be used to determine whether any conditions would preclude the candidate from performing his duties. Separately, a psychological examination will help the licensing committee determine if the applicant is able to handle the rigors of law enforcement work.

Criminal History

Generally speaking, a candidate to become a licensed Texas peace officer must not have any history of committing family violence, and must be able to operate a motor vehicle and possess a firearm. In addition, the candidate must successfully pass a substance use test.

Military Background

If you served in the U.S. armed forces, you must have been discharged under honorable circumstances, and have a service record that reflects an enlistment or commission period without major infractions.

Training

You must attend a certified basic peace officer training course before becoming licensed in Texas. While different agencies may require different coursework, the basic standards as listed by the state commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education must be met in order to later apply for a license.

Appointment

Once you have completed the academy, you will need to be employed by a state, county or local law enforcement agency. Officials there will submit a licensure application to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.

References

• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education.us: Requirements for Licensed Texas Law Enforcement Careers