tcleose certification question

[chrispix]

I was just talking to an officer that visited our neighborhood tonight, and he mentioned that if I have a 4 year degree, that I can get tcleose certified, by just taking the exam. Does anyone have any information on this? Links, etc? I have a degree, and I think it might be a good idea for me.

[Charlie]

chrispix--

You'll need to contact TCLEOSE about the "just having a 4-year degree" will equate to you being eligible to take the test and *poof* you're instantly certified. Personally,...I am not aware of anyone doing just that.

Check out the following link:

http://www.tcleose.state.tx.us/Publi...ligwarning.htm

Explore the site or give TCLEOSE a call about this issue but I suspect you must have misunderstood the officer or missed other details about what he/she was talking about or something like that.

AND, even if it is possible to test out for your TCLEOSE license as you suggest, I would HIGHLY recommend, (if you ever have the opportunity), that you attend an LE academy somewhere. There's a lot more to LE than just taking and passing a written test.
--
Charlie

[chrispix]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback, I was thinking about it overnight, I would much rather get taught, than studying for a test where I can't ask questions etc.

<--- academy here I come (well, some time next year).

[P01IC3M4N]

if you have a degree in criminal justice, you can challenge the test. i've known a few people who went that route.

it's probably better to go to an academy though. you can't learn what you need to know sitting in a classroom.

[cecilVA]

I'm not sure what good the cert would be if you never attend an academy. If your goal is get hired by a dept, would any hire you without actual academy experience? I don't know, I'm not an expert on TCLEOSE.

[mcsap]

In PA, you MUST attend our 5 month academy regardless of what kind of degree you come walking in the door with. Good luck if they let you challenge it in your state.

[Charlie]

A possible option for you with regards to academy training:

There are several academies set up through a lot colleges through out the state. Don't know where you are living but I would suspect that TCLEOSE could likely tell you where the nearest ones are located.

Having said that:

I don't know what sort of entrance requirements or qualifcations are mandated for people to enter any one of these academies. (Not sure if there are "standardized" entrance requirements). Many of the college academies allow people to sponsor themselves through the academy if they are currently not working for a police department somewhere. BUT, keep in mind, any of the academies in question may have entrance requirements in place for you to meet before hitting the classroom. AND, there is likely some cost variances. Don't forget to factor in any other expenses such as clothing - Work out sweats, running shorts, shoes, leather gear, weapon or anything else required by the academy.

And, to add what others have said, even if you were to get your TCLEOSE license without prior academy training, I think you would find very few departments willing to hire you without any kind of prior recognized professional police academy training.

At any rate, hope this paints a better picture for you.
--
Charlie