The Central Texas College (CTC) Police Academy is currently accepting applications for admission to its full-time Basic Peace Officer Course which begins in April. Upon successful completion, students are qualified to sit for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement exam to become a peace officer in Texas.

The 720-hour course covers all aspects of law enforcement and is designed to prepare cadets to take the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement licensing exam. Cadets receive extensive hands-on training in defensive tactics, firearms and police vehicle operation and also take written exams on subjects such as victims’ rights, Texas Penal Code, Texas Traffic Code, Texas Family Code, criminal investigation, stress management, problem solving and more. Upon successful completion, the cadet can earn 23 college credit hours and a certificate of completion. These hours can be applied to the CTC Associate of Applied Science degree in protective services.

The CTC Protective Service department requires applicants to be at least 21 years of age before completing the course unless they meet the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements to attend between the ages 18 to 21. Applicants must also pass a physical fitness test prior to acceptance and meet the TCOLE minimum requirements for licensing. These include no Class B misdemeanor conviction in the past 10 years, no Class A misdemeanor convictions in the past 10 years, no felony convictions, no conviction of any family violence offense and no controlled substance use for 24 months prior to application without a valid prescription.

Applicants must also be a U.S. citizen, possess a high school diploma, GED or home school diploma, must not be prohibited from operating a motor vehicle, must not be prohibited by state or federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition and must not have been discharged from military service under dishonorable or bad conduct conditions.

Along with the application, the following documents must also be submitted: a copy of the applicant’s valid Texas (or other state) driver license; original certified copy of birth certificate or proof of U.S. citizenship and a copy of their Social Security card; a copy of high school diploma, GED or home school diploma; official college transcript (if any); photo copy of college degree (if any) and a copy of current proof of automobile liability insurance. Former military service members are required to provide a copy of DD-214 (member 4 copy) form or military discharge papers.

Classes will be 40 hours a week, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 17 through September 22. The deadline for submitting applications is April 10. The application packet can be found on the CTC Police Academy website https://ctc4.me/CTCPoliceAcademy. Anyone interested in applying for the CTC Police Academy must make an appointment to turn in the required paperwork. For more information, email [email protected] or call 254-526-1275.