Basic Peace Officer Course Components

TCLEOSE requires 618 hours of Basic Peace Officer instruction on a number of topics. The CVC Law Enforcement Academy requires 640 hours. Topics of instruction include:

1. Introduction and Orientation - 4 hours
1. Fitness, Wellness and Stress Management - 14 hours
2. Professional Policing - 10 hours
3. Professionalism and Ethics - 8 hours
4. U.S. & Texas Constitutions, Bill of Rights and Criminal Justice System - 12 hours
5. Multiculturalism and Human Relations - 12 hours
6. Code of Criminal Procedure - 16 hours
7. Arrest, Search and Seizure - 24 hours
8. Penal Code - 40 hours
9. Traffic - 68 hours
10. Intoxicated Driver and SFST - 24 hours
11. Civil Process - 8 hours
12. Alcoholic Beverage Code - 4 hours
13. Health and Safety Code - Controlled Substances Act - 8 hours
14. Family Code - Juvenile Issues - 10 hours
15. Written and Verbal Communications - 28 hours
16. Spanish for Police Officers - 16 hours
17. Force Options - 24 hours
18. Mechanics of Arrest (to include defensive tactics) - 40 hours
19. Firearms (and qualifications) - 40 hours
20. Emergency Medical Assistance - 16 hours
21. Emergency Communications - 12 hours
22. Professional Police Driving (to include practical application) - 32 hours
23. Problem Solving and Critical Thinking - 4 hours
24. Patrol/Consular Notification - 42 hours
25. Victims of Crime - 10 hours
26. Family Violence and Related Assaultive Offenses - 20 hours
27. Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and Mental Health Code - 24 hours
28. Hazardous Materials Awareness - 6 hours
29. Criminal Investigation - 44 hours
    Including: Introduction, General, Protection of and Crime Scene Search, Interviewing Techniques, Booking Procedures, Courtroom Demeanor and Testimony, Case Management
30. Police Practical Application Skills - 16 hours

In addition to the above curriculum, cadets are required to participate in physical conditioning training at least three times a week. Prior to graduation, cadets must pass a physical conditioning test that includes running 1½ miles, push-ups, sit-ups and body strength skills.

After successful completion of the Basic Peace Officer Course, cadets will be issued a Certificate of Eligibility to take the State Licensing Exam (the TCLEOSE test). The CVC Law Enforcement Academy will schedule an online test for all cadets. The cost of the test is $40.