BPOC

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Basic Peace Officer Course

Course Details

This is not an “open-enrollment” course as is found at a community college; candidates must apply, compete and be selected.  Completion of the course does not guarantee employment with the MCSO.

Current MCSO employees are not guaranteed acceptance to the BPOC based simply on their employment status. Current employees may apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mctxsheriff/. 

Upon completion cadets are eligible for full-time employment with the MCSO as a commissioned Texas peace officer.

In order to apply for this course all applicants must meet all prerequisites established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Rules Handbook § 217.1 and the Texas Occupations Code § 1701.255, 1701.306, 1701.309, 1701.312 and 1701.313.  This includes, but is not limited to:

  • You must be a U.S. citizen
  • You must be 20 years old on the start date of the BPOC and 21 years old by graduation
  • You must hold a high school diploma or equivalent
  • You will be fingerprinted and subject to a search of local, state and national criminal records
In accordance with TCOLE rule 217.1 you cannot attend this BPOC if you have:

  • Any prior convictions or court-ordered community supervision, deferred adjudication or probation for a felony offense regardless of the jurisdiction (no statute of limitations)
  • Any prior convictions or court-ordered community supervision, deferred adjudication or probation for a Class “A” Misdemeanor or an out-of-state equivalent (no statute of limitations)
  • Any prior convictions or court-ordered community supervision, deferred adjudication or probation for a Class “B” Misdemeanor or an out-of-state equivalent (within 10 years)
  • Any prior convictions or court-ordered community supervision, deferred adjudication or probation for any family (domestic) violence offense as defined by Texas Family Code § 71, regardless of level (no statute of limitations)
  • Any open warrants regardless of the level of the offense or jurisdiction
  • Any unresolved criminal charges pending regardless of the level of the offense or jurisdiction
  • A driver’s license from any state including Texas that is currently under suspension, revocation or cancellation
  • A dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Military, National Guard, State Guard or Reserves
The MCSO requires the following minimum standards:

  • You must have a valid driver’s license
  • You must run and successfully complete a 1.5-mile course (both males and females). Target time: 15 minutes and 55 seconds
  • You must complete a one-minute push-up assessment (both males and females). Target: 24 correct push-ups in one minute.
  • You must complete a one-minute sit-up assessment (both males and females). Target: 28 correct sit-ups in one minute. 
  • You must complete the Job Task Simulation (JTS) course (obstacle course, to include 6 foot wall) (both males and females). Target: 3 minutes and 42 seconds
  • All applicants must take and pass the National Peace Officer Selection Test (this test will be administered as part of the application process) 
  • You must provide proof of liability insurance for all motor vehicles owned or regularly operated
  • You must submit a consumer credit report
  • You must submit to a thorough background investigation
  • You must submit to a polygraph (lie detector) examination
  • You must have a favorable employment history

The MCSO is an Equal Opportunity Employer; we do not discriminate based on race, age, or disability.

The requirements listed above are not all-inclusive. Please consult the  TCOLE Rules Handbook  for more detailed information.

Course Standards

The course is academically rigorous and will require study outside of class. The course contains approximately 10 examinations. A cadet who fails three examinations will be separated from the course.

Cadets are required to attain an 80% examination average by the final exam. Those cadets who do not attain an 80% average are not permitted to sit for the TCOLE peace officer examination.

The course is physically demanding. The course consists of four official fitness assessments (the same as standards for entry listed above). A cadet who fails two fitness assessments will be separated from the course.

The course contains several critical skill units including Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, firearms, ground fighting, and the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course. Each of these skills areas are subject to separate skills proficiency evaluations and academic testing. A cadet who fails any one of these critical skill units will be separated from the course.

Contact a recruiting specialist for additional questions.
E-mail: MCSORecruitingDivision@mctx.org
Phone: (936) 538-7733

Updated 01/13/2021




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