Law Enforcement
Learn more about Educational Pathways for Law Enforcement Professionals
South Texas College offers two degrees in Public Safety: Associate of Applied Science- Law Enforcement (AAS-LE) and a Certificate in Law Enforcement (Texas Peace Officer). Each degree helps students jump start their careers with federal, state, and local governmental entities.
Basic Peace Officer Certificate:
This program is designed to prepare students for a profession in law enforcement. Police academy students will learn the role and responsibilities of a law enforcement officer and become knowledgeable in Texas Criminal and Traffic law. The police academy will prepare students for peace officer certifications according to the standards from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education.
Law Enforcement AAS:
For those persons who hold a Texas Peace Officer Certification, upon successful completion of two core curriculum courses, they will be granted 23 hours of college credit upon review of their TCOLE training transcript, which they may apply toward the Associates of Applied Science- Law Enforcement degree. This degree offers the educational opportunity for working professionals already in the field to expand upon their knowledge base and professional development in a well established educational setting.
Educational Pathways for Federal Law Enforcement Professionals:
South Texas College has established educational pathways for Federal Law Enforcement professionals employed by the U.S. CBP ( Border Patrol and Field Operations) and graduates of Federal Law Enforcement Training Center ( FLETC).
Upon successful completion of two required academic courses ( Ethics in Criminal Justice & Intermediate Arrest, Search & Seizure ) students can claim a set number of escrow credits toward the College’s Law Enforcement Associate & Bachelor Degree Programs.
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Academy Application Form
All academy candidates must submit all required documentation (Personal History Statement, L2, L3, personal documents, etc.) by the given dates.
Agility Exam Dates for Full-time Part-time Spring Academy:
August 27
September 7, 10, 21, 24
October 1, 5, 12, 15, 26, 29
November 2 (Last Agility Dates)
Agility Exam Dates for STARR County Spring Academy:
September 28
November 2 (Last Agility Dates)
Admission Requirements
For certificate program (Police Academy):
- Must be 21 years old upon completion of program
- U.S. Citizen, honorable discharge from the military (if applicable)
- Never been convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor or above
- Never been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor within the last 10 years
- GED or higher, urine analysis
- Polygraph exam
- Physical fitness exam
- Comprehensive medical and psychological screenings
An application for the police academy also needs to be filled out in addition to the application to South Texas College in order to be considered for the program.
Screening Exams
The combined cost of all the screening exams (polygraph, L2, L3 & fingerprints) is $640. The entire screening process takes between 4 to 6 weeks. The deadline to submit all of the screening documents is December 2, 2019.
Additional Program Notes
The police academy will be open enrollment for those who wish to attend the police academy and apply financial aid, G.I. Bill, or other scholarships toward their tuition. For those persons who are currently employed by a state, county, or city law enforcement agency as a full-time peace officer, tuition waivers apply under Texas Education Code 54.208.
As with the Police Academy Program, Texas Peace Officers who are full-time employees are eligible for tuition waivers under Texas Education Code 54.208.
Degree Plans Faculty Staff Resources Scholarships
For faculty not listed, please contact the department.
Contact Law Enforcement Program
Department Chair
Robert Vela
Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence 1.002F
956-872-4203
Department Contact
Megan Olivares
Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence
3901 S. Cage Blvd.
Pharr, TX 78577
956-872-4200
