10 Dec, 2024 in Legal Updates
Andres Sebastian Nava
Chief Administrative Officer,
Nexus Criminal Justice Institute
In the dynamic field of law enforcement, continuous training is a necessity. The Texas Legislature and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) recognize this and have launched a new set of mandated training for peace officers. This article provides an overview of these changes and highlights the required training for peace officers who do not have an intermediate or higher proficiency level.
Before we dive into the details of the newly mandated training, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of how the TCOLE structures its Training Unit and Training Cycle.
The Training Unit is essentially a two-year period designated for specific training programs. The current unit, for example, began on September 1, 2023, and will conclude on August 31, 2025.
On the other hand, the Training Cycle encompasses a four-year period. The current cycle commenced on September 1, 2021, and will end on August 31, 2025. However, it's essential to note that certain mandates may supersede the standard Unit and Cycle requirements, excluding the "Additional Mandated Courses". This means that while the standard four-year training cycle and two-year unit provide a general framework, specific mandated trainings might follow their own unique timelines.
With this fundamental understanding in place, let's now explore the specific trainings that TCOLE has mandated.
All licensed peace officers in the state of Texas, irrespective of their proficiency level or years of experience, are required to complete a set of mandatory training courses. These courses are designed to ensure that all officers are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively perform their duties and serve their communities.
The mandated training is due by August 31, 2025, and must be completed during every subsequent 2-year unit. The required courses include:
Many of these courses can be accessed free of charge online via platforms like TEEX.org and MyTCOLE 3.0, offering a flexible learning environment for officers to complete the training at their own pace.
The 88th legislative session has ushered in a new era of reform that significantly impacts the landscape of peace officer training. This session saw the introduction of sweeping changes, covering a broad spectrum of areas including, but not limited to, use of force policies, de-escalation techniques, and standards for hiring and separating peace officers.
These reforms are not merely regulatory, they represent a paradigm shift in law enforcement practices aimed at ensuring accountability, improving community relations, and enhancing the safety of both officers and the citizens they serve. As such, it is critical for all peace officers to stay updated on these changes to ensure compliance with the law and their continued effectiveness in serving and protecting their communities.
The 88th Legislative Update courses have been made available free of charge online via platforms like TEEX.org and MyTCOLE 3.0. These platforms provide a flexible learning environment, allowing officers to complete these courses at their own pace and schedule.
With the immense stress and emotional toll associated with law enforcement work, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) has taken a proactive step by introducing 'Finding Wellness' into the training curriculum. This comprehensive program goes beyond traditional training and puts a strong emphasis on mental health and self-care strategies. Its aim is to equip officers with the necessary tools to proactively maintain their wellbeing and navigate the unique challenges of their noble profession. As part of ongoing professional development, officers are required to complete this training every two years, ensuring that their mental, emotional, and overall wellness remains a top priority.
Handling sexual assault cases requires utmost sensitivity and deep understanding of the traumatic experience victims face. To better equip officers with the necessary skills, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) mandates a comprehensive Trauma-Informed Approach to Sexual Assault training, available under course numbers #470 or #4070. This specialized training ensures that officers are educated on empathetic and respectful methods of handling victims, fostering a safe and supportive environment while conducting thorough investigations. Furthermore, officers have the option to complete the Sexual Assault Family Violence Investigators Course (SAFVIC), an alternative equivalent training that meets the requirement of Special Investigator Certification #3264. It is crucial to note that these rigorous trainings are mandatory for officers every two years, reflecting the commitment to continuous learning and improving the quality of care provided to survivors of sexual assault.
For peace officers who do not have an intermediate or higher proficiency level, TCOLE has mandated specific training courses required every 4-year training cycle. These include the 8-hour Crisis Intervention Training (CIT), Special Investigation Topics, De-escalation, and Cultural Diversity.
The CIT program offers two courses: a comprehensive 40-hour course (#1850) and an 8-hour refresher course (#3843).
The 40-hour CIT course provides in-depth training to equip officers with the skills to effectively manage individuals experiencing mental health crises.
The 8-hour CIT refresher course (#3843) is designed to update and reinforce the skills learned in the 40-hour course. This refresher training is due once every 4-year cycle.
The Special Investigation Topics course (#3232) delves into a variety of pivotal subjects pertinent to law enforcement. Key topics explored include, but are not limited to, human trafficking, domestic violence, and drug-related offenses.
This comprehensive training is indispensable for all peace officers, providing them with the knowledge and tools to effectively address these complex issues in their daily operations. The course is due for completion once every 4-year cycle, ensuring that officers' understanding of these critical topics remains current and well-informed.
For your convenience, this crucial training is readily available for free online via MyTCOLE 3.0. This platform provides an accessible and flexible learning environment, allowing officers to complete the training at a pace and schedule that suits their needs.
De-escalation training teaches officers techniques to defuse potentially volatile situations peacefully, minimizing the risk of violence. This training is due once every 4-year cycle.
In our increasingly diverse society, it's essential for peace officers to understand and respect the cultural differences they will encounter in their line of work. The Cultural Diversity Training courses (#3939 or #394), mandated by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), are designed to equip officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to interact effectively and empathetically with individuals from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
These comprehensive courses delve into various dimensions of diversity, including race, gender, and generational differences, fostering a deeper understanding and promoting positive interactions within the community. The aim is not merely to inform but to enhance awareness and understanding, thereby contributing to more effective law enforcement.
The training is required to be completed once every 4-year cycle, ensuring officers' skills and understanding remain fresh and relevant. Those commissioned officers with an Intermediate or higher TCOLE proficiency are exempt from the 4-year cycle requirement.
For added convenience and accessibility, the Cultural Diversity #394 course is available free of charge online via the MyTCOLE 3.0 platform. This provides a flexible learning environment, allowing officers to complete the training at their own pace and schedule.
We encourage all peace officers to stay updated with these changes and participate in these training programs. Most of the mentioned trainings are available online and can be accessed via TEEX.org or MyTCOLE 3.0. These platforms offer a convenient way to fulfill your training requirements at your own pace.
Additionally, for a more comprehensive look at available training opportunities across the country, feel free to browse the American Police Training directory. This resource can provide valuable information about additional training resources that can further enhance your skills and competencies as a peace officer.
Remember, continuous learning is a key component of excellence in law enforcement. Let's embrace these training opportunities and continue serving our communities to the best of our abilities.