The TJC Law Enforcement Academy will equip you with knowledge of the law and government along with physical conditioning to perform the daily tasks of being a peace officer. Successful completion of the academy will enable you to take the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) test. Once a student successfully passes the exam along with 3 credit hours at Tyler Junior College, the student may be awarded for up to 12 hours of college credit.
Fast Facts
- Salary Range: The salary range in East Texas for police officers is $49,090-$89,440 with a median of $68,290.
- Employment Outlook: Police and sheriff’s patrol officer jobs in Texas are expected to increase 13% by 2030, with a projected 5,420 annual job openings.
- Information from ONet OnLine and based on 2023 wage data.
Necessary Skills
Conflict Resolution, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Effective Communication
About the Career
Police officers serve as first responders and are essential to maintaining public safety and, not only enforcing laws but also building trust with the public, preventing crime, and assisting in emergencies.
What You’ll Learn
Some of the classes offered in our Academy include: Texas Penal Code, Patrol Skills, ALERRT Level 1 Training, and Arrest, Search & Seizure
Attention Veterans
At TJC, we are proud to support veterans who enroll in our Basic Peace Officer Course. Eligible veterans can attend at no cost, and, in some cases, may even qualify to be paid while attending.
Our Veterans Coordinator is an excellent resource and can assist throughout this process.
Key Contacts for Veteran Support:
- Rachel Foster, US Army Veteran – Federal VA Benefits
- Mark Weippert, M.A. – Hazlewood Exemption Coordinator, Veteran and Military Services
For more information, visit tjc.edu/veterans or call: 903-510-3750.
Faculty & Staff
Mark Lamb
Director
TJC West
Phone: 903-510-2952
Email: Mark.Lamb@TJC.edu
Taylor Bogue
Professor
TJC West
Phone: 903-510-2167
Email: Taylor.Bogue@TJC.edu
Academy Email
LawEnforcementAcademy@TJC.edu
Enrollment Standards
If you’re interested in attending any Basic Peace Officer Academy, you must meet all enrollment standards set forth by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. These standards are firm and do not provide for any exceptions. Please review them carefully by visiting the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and locating Chapter 217.1 Minimum Enrollment and Licensing Standards. Applicants must also complete a Personal History Statement available through the Academy before applying.
Important Dates for Basic Peace Officer Academy #41
- Registration Opens: Open Now!
- Registration for Independents Closes: June 16, 2025
- Registration for Law Enforcement Agency Sponsors Closes: June 16, 2025
- Mandatory Orientation: June 16, 2025 at 2 PM
- First Day of Class: June 23, 2025
- Graduation: November 14, 2025
General Guidelines
The cost for the Academy includes six courses: Basic Peace Officer I, II, III, IV, V, and Patrol Procedures which will be completed in sequence to constitute the TCOLE-approved Basic Peace Officer Academy for a total of 819 hours of instruction. Students must register in all six courses concurrently. Space is limited in the Basic Peace Officer Academy so please register early. Application and associated paperwork are available at the TJC Law Enforcement Academy Office, located at TJC West, 1530 SSW Loop 323, Room 137, Tyler, Texas.
The tuition and fees for the Academy do not cover the cost of uniforms and other equipment a cadet will be responsible for supplying. Other expenses such as physicals, drug screening, criminal background investigation, and psych evaluation are not covered under tuition and fees. Independent cadets are responsible for those expenses. The cadet’s sponsoring agency may furnish some of the additional equipment.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for the Law Enforcement Academy is covered under VA benefits and the Texas Hazlewood Act.
About Our Program
Our rigorous program equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for their future roles as officers. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a legacy that serves and protects our communities.
Our Mission and Commitment
Since 1989, the TJC Law Enforcement Academy has unwaveringly served the community by training Basic Peace Officers. Our graduates are not only well-prepared but also deeply committed to safeguarding our neighborhoods. We conduct multiple classes throughout the year, ensuring a consistent supply of dedicated officers ready to make a difference.
Expertise and Excellence
Our esteemed team of instructors collectively boasts over 390 years of experience across 50 areas of criminal justice. Their expertise spans the entire spectrum of law enforcement, from investigative techniques to community policing. As a result, our trainees receive a comprehensive foundation that prepares them for the challenges they will face in their future roles.
The TJC Advantage
- Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Approved: Our Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) is rigorously designed and TCOLE-approved. Participants acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as officers.
- Classroom Training and Hands-On Experience: Through a blend of classroom instruction and practical exercises, our trainees not only prepare for the state licensing examination but also gain firsthand insights into the complexities of police work.
- Exceeding Standards: We don’t settle for meeting standards; we exceed them. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to serve and protect.
BASIC PEACE OFFICER ACADEMY $2,400.00
Awarded Credit Hours: Once you successfully pass the state Peace Officer – licensing exam and upon applying to TJC, you may be awarded up to 12 hours of college credit.
Training Schedule
- Course tuition is posted with each listing and will vary depending on supplies provided by the Academy and the length of the course.
- Most classes are limited to 25 students on a first-come, first-served basis; therefore, early registration is critical. Pre-registration is required!
- Registration for all classes must be submitted to the TJC Law Enforcement Academy by emailing Mark.Lamb@tjc.edu or visiting the office located at TJC West, 1530 SSW Loop 323, Room 137, Tyler, Texas.
- For more information, call Mark Lamb at 903-510-2952.
- Scheduled courses are subject to change if necessary or required. Enrollees will be notified via email of such changes.
- All classes are held at TJC West unless otherwise specified. We are located at 1530 S. SW. Loop 323 Tyler TX 75701 at the corner of the S. SW. Loop 323 and Robertson Rd. Landmarks include Rudy’s to the north and Optimum Communications to the south.