Central Texas College Police Academy partners with Copperas Cove Police Department to tackle national law enforcement shortage

KILLEEN, TEXAS (June 2, 2025) — As communities across the nation, including Copperas Cove, face a shortage of law enforcement personnel, Central Texas College (CTC) is taking proactive steps to meet the growing demand through its rigorous and hands-on Police Academy. Designed to prepare cadets for the challenges of modern policing, the academy offers a comprehensive curriculum that is producing capable, confident, and committed future officers.

Three local cadets currently enrolled in the academy, Austin LeBel, Micah Burden, Hasan Ibeljic, Tyler Murphy, and Elijah Garretson are sponsored by the Copperas Cove Police Department (CCPD), a partner agency that recognizes the value of investing in high-quality training from day one.

The CTC Police Academy covers critical topics such as criminal law, arrest procedures, tactical communication, and crime scene processing, as well as practical skill development in areas like precision driving and fingerprint lifting.

For cadet Austin LeBel, the defensive driving and fingerprinting training have already made a significant impression.

“The driving skills portion was very educational since I’ll be driving on patrol often,” LeBel said. “I now understand the science behind lifting fingerprints and how to perform the task properly. This hands-on experience has really prepared me for what to expect in the field.”

LeBel emphasized the importance of dedication and discipline.

“The effort you put in will equate to the results you get out. Study hard, stay physically ready, and commit to the process,” he said.

Micah Burden, who initially believed he might be too old to enter the field, credited his journey to encouragement from CCPD officers.

“Driving will be 60 percent of my job. The driving course will pay off tremendously,” Burden said, adding that the Criminal Investigation module has been the most impactful part of the training so far. “Anyone considering this academy should be ready to study and take every part of the course seriously.”

Hasan Ibeljic echoed those sentiments, stressing the value of real-world application.

“The hands-on experience has had the biggest impact. Applying what we learn to real scenarios, whether driving or crime scene work, builds both confidence and competence.” said Ibeljic who is already preparing for advanced driving assessments by practicing on his own time and staying closely aligned with instructor guidance.

Entry into the CTC Police Academy requires sponsorship by a law enforcement agency or self-enrollment with agency approval, a clean background, and physical fitness readiness. The academy is licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and runs several sessions each year.

The current CTC Police Academy class is scheduled to graduate June 27. With graduates entering local and regional police forces, Central Texas College plays a critical role in strengthening public safety at a time when the nation needs qualified officers more than ever.

For more information about the CTC Police Academy, visit www.ctcd.edu or contact the CTC Police Academy office at (254) 526-1572.