The Central Texas College (CTC) Police Academy is currently accepting applications for admission to its full-time and part-time Basic Peace Officer Courses (BPOC) which start January 22. Upon successful completion, students are qualified to sit for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement exam to become a peace officer in Texas.

The 736-hour course covers all aspects of law enforcement and is designed to prepare cadets to take the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) 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. Cadets can earn a certificate of completion and 23 college credit hours which can be applied to the CTC Associate of Applied Science degree in protective services.

The full-time class (BPOC Bravo) starts January 22 and runs through June 28. Classes will be 40 hours a week, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. The part-time program (BPOC Alpha) will run January 22 through December 6. Classes are 20 hours a week, Monday through Thursday, 6-10 p.m., and every other Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The application deadline for either class is January 12.

The CTC Protective Service department requires applicants to be at least 21 years of age before completing the course unless they meet 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 convictions 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.

Applicants must also submit a copy of their valid 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.

The application packet is available online at 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 Police.Academy@ctcd.edu or call 254-526-1275.