The H. Joaquin Jackson Law Enforcement Academy at Sul Ross State University announced it is accepting applicants for the upcoming Class of 2024, set to begin its training on Jan. 8, 2024.
Situated within the College of Education and Professional Studies, the academy is renowned for providing two distinct training programs. One of these is the annually conducted basic police academy, which surpasses the standards of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) for the 736-hour Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC).
Upon successful completion of the basic police academy, cadets earn the privilege of sitting for the TCOLE Basic Peace Officer examination. Cadets achieving a score of 70 percent or above on this test subsequently receive certification from TCOLE, positioning them as potential hires for law enforcement agencies across Texas.
Beyond the basic training, the academy plays a pivotal role in the continuous professional development of law enforcement and corrections staff within the Sul Ross State University service vicinity. Each semester, they roll out a spectrum of courses, ranging from a concise four-hour session to an extensive 40-hour training. These courses cater to TCOLE-imposed training criteria and are curated to address the specialized training requisites of regional agencies.
The legacy of the Sul Ross academy is notably impressive, with over 600 cadets having graduated since its foundation in 1982. Furthermore, the academy boasts a stellar 100 percent hire rate, predominantly by West Texas law enforcement agencies, for cadets who excel in the TCOLE BPOC.
Prospective students should note the financial aspects of the academy: Sul Ross State University students can achieve certification, encompassing 15 credit hours, at a fee of $3,640. Meanwhile, individuals not enrolled at Sul Ross State will face a tuition fee of $4,990 for the semester. Moreover, SRSU undergraduates seeking to complete their bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or Homeland Security can obtain up to 15 credit hours from the academy. This allows them to acquire both their academic degree and the peace officer license. Graduate students are eligible for up to six credit hours for the aforementioned degrees, accompanied by the benefit of reduced tuition.
For those considering the academy, the pre-screening application can be accessed at https://www.sulross.edu/law-enforcement-academy/. For additional details or inquiries, contact the academy at 432-837-8166 or lea@sulross.edu.
