This roadmap is designed specifically for Seedling Scholars who are interested in becoming a police officer in Texas. It outlines multiple pathways and emphasizes that many departments will pay recruits while they attend the police academy, making it a great option for scholars who want to earn a salary while training.

Roadmap

Become a Texas Peace Officer

Why Choose Law Enforcement?

A career in law enforcement offers:

• Competitive pay and benefits

• Paid academy training (with many agencies)

• Opportunities to serve your community

• Career advancement into investigations, K-9, SWAT, school resource officer, leadership, and more

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before applying, most Texas law enforcement agencies require:

✅ High school diploma or GED

✅ Valid Texas driver's license

✅ U.S. citizenship

✅ Clean criminal background

✅ Good driving record

✅ Physical fitness

Many departments also prefer or require applicants to be at least 20½–21 years old by the time they are commissioned. (City of Austin)

Step 2: Choose Your Path

Option A (Recommended)

Apply directly to a Police Department

Many agencies hire cadets and pay you while attending the academy.

Examples include:

• Austin Police Department Recruiting

• UT Police Academy

Benefits:

• Paid salary during academy

• Benefits while training

• Equipment provided

• Job waiting after graduation

(City of Austin)

Option B

Attend a Criminal Justice Program First

Good options include:

• Austin Community College Public Safety Training Center

• School of Criminal Justice

Students can complete:

• Criminal Justice courses

• Peace Officer training

• TCOLE preparation

(Public & Social Services) Austin Community College

Step 3: Prepare Physically

Begin training before applying.

Work toward:

• 1.5-mile run

• Push-ups

• Sit-ups

• Core strength

• Flexibility

Academies recommend maintaining a regular fitness routine because physical training is a major part of the program. (City of Austin)

Step 4: Application Process

Typical hiring process includes:

☐ Online application

☐ Written examination

☐ Physical fitness test

☐ Oral interview

☐ Background investigation

☐ Polygraph (if required)

☐ Medical examination

☐ Drug screening

☐ Psychological evaluation

(City of Austin)

Step 5: Complete the Police Academy

Police academies include training in:

• Texas law

• Criminal investigations

• Report writing

• Defensive tactics

• Firearms

• Emergency vehicle operations

• De-escalation

• Ethics

• Community policing

After graduation, recruits must pass the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensing exam to become licensed peace officers. (City of Austin)

Step 6: Field Training

New officers complete supervised field training before working independently.

This is where classroom learning is put into practice with experienced officers.

Career Advancement Opportunities

After gaining experience, officers may pursue specialties such as:

• Criminal Investigations (Detective)

• K-9 Unit

• School Resource Officer (SRO)

• Traffic Enforcement

• SWAT

• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

• Community Outreach

• Training Officer

• Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Chief

Helpful Central Texas Contacts

Austin Police Department Recruiting

Austin Police Department Recruiting Web Address: 1520 Rutherford Ln Building 3, Austin, TX 78754, United States Phone: +1 512-974-4211

Phone: (512) 974-4211

Austin Community College Public Safety Training Center

Phone: (512) 223-1682

UT Police Academy

Phone: (512) 232-7992 (Recruiting)

Checklist

☐ Graduate from high school or earn a GED

☐  If not of age to apply, consider employement with criminal justice agencies. 

☐ Maintain a clean driving and criminal record

☐ Build your physical fitness

☐ Research agencies that sponsor cadets

☐ Apply to a police department or criminal justice program

☐ Complete the hiring process

☐ Graduate from the academy

☐ Pass the TCOLE licensing exam

☐ Begin serving your community as a Texas Peace Officer

💡 Mentor Tip

Encourage scholars to apply directly to departments that sponsor cadets whenever possible. This path allows them to earn a salary and benefits while attending the academy, reducing education costs and providing a direct path to employment. It is often one of the fastest and most affordable routes into a law enforcement career. (City of Austin)