Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement Academy

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Jobs available locally

10,258

Demand Locally

+1 %

Annual Wage Range

$50,998 – $214,067

Patrol assigned area, such as public parking lot or city streets to issue tickets to overtime parking violators and illegally parked vehicles.

Jobs available locally

48

Demand Locally

+2 %

Annual Wage Range

$36,441 – $38,398

Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Jobs available locally

10,258

Demand Locally

+1 %

Annual Wage Range

$50,998 – $214,067

Program Type:

Face-to-Face

Department:

First Responders Academy

Institute:

Public Service

College:

SAC

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The Law Enforcement Academy (LEA) is currently taking applications for next day and evening classes (part-time academy) which starts May 19. We will be taking applications starting on Jan. 21, the "part-time and full-time academy" that starts May 19.

All Personal History Statements (PHS) and required paperwork and documentation are due within two (2) weeks of being issued to you. Last day to accept a (PHS) for the day and evening classes is May 5, by 12 p.m. All medical (L2) and psychological (L3) are due by the date assigned to you by the LEA. Current TCOLE licensed Jailers and Dispatchers using a Declaration of Licensing Course Enrollment Eligibility (DOLCE/L1) are due by May 9 by 5 p.m. Those who do not meet the deadlines may be considered for the Fall 2025 academy. All applicants and required documents will be accepted by appointment please contact sac-lea@alamo.edu to schedule. All documents will be turned in at the First Responders Academy located at 15775 IH 35 South, Atascosa, TX 78002.

To apply email: sac-lea@alamo.edu

Full Time Academy:

Last day to accept a (PHS) for the day and evening classes is May 5 by 12 p.m. All medical (L2) and psychological (L3) are due by the date assigned to you by the LEA. Current TCOLE licensed Jailers and Dispatchers using a Declaration of Licensing Course Enrollment Eligibility (DOLCE/L1) are due by May 9, by 5 p.m. Those who do not meet the deadlines may be considered for the Fall 2025 part-time or full-time academy. All applicants and required documents will be accepted by appointment please contact sac-lea@alamo.edu to schedule. All documents will be turned in at the First Responders Academy located at 15775 IH 35 South, Atascosa, TX 78002.

To apply email: sac-lea@alamo.edu

***If you are agency sponsored or an agency sponsoring a cadet, please email Director Rolando Barrientez at rbarrientez4@alamo.edu***

***CJLE 1132 *Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement is now a requirement***

What is the Law Enforcement Academy program?

San Antonio College's (SAC) Law Enforcement Academy is designed to prepare the individual for a career in law enforcement and correctional science.

The program offers a Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE) approved law enforcement academy. Also, in collaboration with the Criminal Justice Program an AAS degree available to achieve an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree for career advancement.

For more information or to request an application please email sac-lea@alamo.edu.

  • Law Enforcement, Level I Certificate
    • This certificate offers students the opportunity to begin working on courses that will satisfy requirements under the A.A.S. degree in Law Enforcement.
    • With this award, you may seek jobs such as: entry-level law enforcement upon receiving a TCOLE license.

Please note: Starting Spring 2024, we will be making the move to the Basic Peace Officer 736 Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE) curriculum in compliance with the 88th Legislation Session, TCOLE and the San Antonio College TCOLE Advisory Board. Starting 2023, the Law Enforcement Academy will no longer be having a weekend academy.

What's special about the program?

Instructors in this program are seasoned active or veterans in the law enforcement service with many years of cumulative teaching and different professions in the criminal justice system.

What will I learn?

Courses are designed to provide knowledge and techniques for understanding how criminal justice and social structures influence human behavior.

Courses

Texas Peace Officer

The purpose of the San Antonio College Law Enforcement Academy’s Basic Peace Officer course, a 736 hour course of study, is to prepare prospective law enforcement officers for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Certification Exam. Students who successfully complete the academic academy will earn a Level 1 Certificate in Law Enforcement and will be able to sit for the TCOLE Basic Peace Officer State Exam

In addition, upon successful completion, the student may apply the Level 1 Certificate towards the Criminal Justice Associate of Applied Science (AAS – Law Enforcement option). The academy also offers TCOLE in-service courses for the purpose of enhancing the Peace Officers’ level of proficiency and meeting training requirements.

BPOC (Basic Police Officer Certification)

Training as a peace officer at San Antonio College Law Enforcement Academy is a great way to start an exciting career.

Students work with instructors who are experienced peace officers.

Studies include topics that reflect real-life situations.

We maintain relationships with area police agencies as prospective employers for graduates.

The San Antonio College Law Enforcement Academy may be taken as credit or noncredit.

(Noncredit for those who qualify: live out of district or already have a degree from an accredited college or university) .

San Antonio College  Law Enforcement Academy is licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. (TCOLE).

TCOLE Training

For registeration, e-mail: sac-lea@alamo.edu

Advanced Instructor

Basic Instructor

Basic Police Bike School (IPMBA) Mar. 24-28

Basic Police Bike School (IPMBA) June 9-13

Basic Police Bike School (IPMBA) Nov. 17-21

Intermediate Crime Scene Investigation

Firearms Instructor Certification

Tactical Emergency Casualty Care for Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders

Spring 2025 TCOLE Classes

 

 

TCOLE Requirements

Civilian (Non-Licensed Person)

In order to become licensed as a peace officer in Texas there are four requirements:

  • meet the minimum standards for enrollment and initial licensure;
  • successful completion of the basic licensing course;
  • passing of the state licensing examination; and
  • appointment by a law enforcement agency

TCOLE website

If you are a current TCOLE licensed Jailer or Dispatcher please contact us by email sac-lea@alamo.edu. You might be eligible to apply using the Declaration of Licensing Course Enrollment Eligibility (DOLCE).

What can I do with this course study?

Qualified graduates to seek employment for most municipal police departments, county jails, or state correctional facilities.

FAQs

Is college credit awarded?

The Academy is approved for 25 semester credit hours (CE option available for those who qualify).

Are there jobs available?

YES. It may take several months to go through an application process for police agencies. The Academy does sessions for numerous areas for law enforcement agencies. Some agencies will allow academy cadets to participate in their application process prior to graduation; with potential employment contingent upon passing the State licensing examination.

Do you have an age limit?

You must be 21 years of age prior to graduation from the academy. To be admitted, a prospective student must comply with TCOLE rule 217.1

https://www.tcole.texas.gov/content/commission-rules

 

How much of the Academy can I miss?

NONE. You are expected to attend all sessions of the academy.

Is financial aid available?

YES, to qualified students and veterans.

Financial aid: 21ALAMO (210-212-5266) Toll Free: 1-844-20ALAMO (1-8944-202-5266)

SAC Veterans Affairs Office: 210-486-0111

Email: sac-va@alamo.edu

What additional supplies will I need for class?

Students will be provided a list of required supplies to include: uniforms, safety glasses, ear protection and note-taking materials. (See academy packet for details and equipment list)

What kind of gun will I need?

NONE. The Police Academy will supply all handgun weapon and hand gun ammunition needed for training.

When do I pay for classes?

Tuition/fees must be paid at time of registration, payment plans options are available, Financial Aid and Benefits may be used by those who qualify.

When is the Basic Peace Officer course offered?

Day: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Monday - Friday
Night: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. | Monday - Friday

Full Time Academy: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Monday - Friday

Earlier reporting in times-will be mandatory tim to time

CJLE 1132 Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement is now a requirement-reporting time will be 6:30 a.m. for full time, 7:30 a.m. for day and 4:30 p.m. on the dates and times the course is assigned to you.

There are five (phases) courses, plus Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement in the Level One Certificate - Law Enforcement.

Where can I get more information?

You may contact the First Responders Academy.

Phone: (210) 486-0086

E-mail: sac-lea@alamo.edu

Who can assist me in applying to San Antonio College?

Welcome Center

Phone: (210) 212-5266

Email: sac-outreach@alamo.edu

Will this course certify me as a police officer in Texas?

YES. The Academy is the first step. The second step is the licensing exam (TCOLE). After passing the licensing exam, you are eligible to be employed as a Texas peace officer.

Will we have any time off from school?

YES. The academy class follows the college holiday schedule. Students will receive a class calendar on the first day of the class. We are a open learning course and do not always follow the traditional college start and end dates.

ACADEMY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All Law Enforcement Academy Application requirements and standards have been approved by the Law Enforcement Academy Advisory Board:

Admission Requirements

  • To be accepted into the SAC Law Enforcement Academy, candidates must meet the following TCOLE and Academy requirements United be a United States Citizen:
    • a. Certified copy of a birth certificate
    • b. Passport
    • c. Certificate of Citizenship
    • d. Passport Card
    • e. Naturalization Papers
  • Must be a high school graduate or have a general education development (GED) test indicating a high school graduate level.
  • Be 21 years of age before graduation from the Academy.
  • Be fingerprinted and subjected to a search of local, state, and U.S. National Records and Fingerprint Files to disclose any criminal record.
  • Not currently charged with any criminal offense for which conviction would be a bar to licensure.
  • Have never been on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten (10) years from the date of the court order.
  • Have never been convicted of an offensive above the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years.
  • Have never been conviceted in any court of an offense involving family violence as defined under Chapter 71, Texas Family Code.
  • Not prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle.
  • Not prohibited by stated or federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
  • Have never received a dishonorable or other discharge based on misconduct which bars future military service.
  • Have not had a commission license denied by final order or revoked; not currently on suspension and does not have a surrender of license currently in effect.
  • Be examined by a licensed physician and be declared, in writing, within the past 180 days, both: a. Physically sound and free from any defects which may adversely affect the performance of duty as a peace officer.
  • Show no trace of drug dependency or illegal drug use after a blood test or other medical test.
  • Successfully complete all enry requirements and forms as reqired by the SAC LEA.

We encourage any prospective applicant that has any criminal history to complete the FAST form and be approved by TCOLE prior to scheduling the medical and psychological examination. We will notify you when we receive the FAST results from TCOLE.

LEA Registration Dates (Summer 2025)

The Law Enforcement Academy (LEA) is currently taking applications for next day and evening classes (part-time academy) which starts May 19. We will be taking applications starting on Jan. 21, the " part-time and full-time academy" that starts May 19.

Day and Evening Academy:

All Personal History Statements (PHS) and required paperwork and documentation are due within two (2) weeks of being issued to you. Last day to accept a (PHS) for the day and evening classes is May 5, by 12 p.m. All medical (L2) and psychological (L3) are due by the date assigned to you by the LEA. Current TCOLE licensed Jailers and Dispatchers using a Declaration of Licensing Course Enrollment Eligibility (DOLCE/L1) are due May 9, by 5 p.m. Those who do not meet the deadlines may be considered for the Fall 2025 academy. All applicants and required documents will be accepted by appointment please contact sac-lea@alamo.edu to schedule. All documents will be turned in at the First Responders Academy located at 15775 IH 35 South, Atascosa, TX 78002.

Those who do not meet the deadlines may be considered for the Fall 2025 academy.

For more information or to request an application please email sac-lea@alamo.edu.

Full-Time Academy

  • All Personal History Statements (PHS) and required paperwork and documentation are due within two (2) weeks of being issued to you. Last day to accept a (PHS) is May 5, by 12 p.m.
  • All medical (L2) and psychological (L3) are due by the date assigned to you by the LEA.
  • Current TCOLE licensed Jailers and Dispatchers using a Declaration of Licensing Course Enrollment Eligibility (DOLCE/L1) are due by May 9, by 5 p.m.

Those who do not meet the deadlines may be considered for the Fall 2025 day or evening academy or Spring 2026 full time academy.

Basic Peace Officer I, II, III, IV and V
Day & Night Classes start: Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026
Full-Time Academy Start: May 2025, September 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026

Class Times

  • Day: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. / Monday - Friday
  • Night: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. / Monday - Friday
  • Full Time Academy: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Monday - Friday
  • ***Earlier reporting in times-will be mandatory time to time***
  • *Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement is now a requirement-reporting time will be 6:30 a.m. for full time, 7:30 a.m. for day, and 4:30 p.m. on the dates and times the course is assigned to you.*

Alamo Colleges Academic/Registration Calendars

  • Archilla, Matthew

    Bazany, Steven

    Beck, Corrine

    Burgess, Michael

    Burts, Michael

    Chaffin, Tina

    Charles, Martin

    Contreras, Carlos

    Contreras, Vincent

    Cummins, Gregory

    DeHoyos, Joseph

    Devora, Alexander

    Eisert, Gregory

    Ellis, David

    Figueroa, Jose

    Flowers, James

    Fuentez, Michael

    Gonzales, Richard

    Gutierrez, Dustin

    Gutierrez, Frank

    Herrera, Lancelot

    Hixon, William

    Jones, Robert

    Knott, Geneva

    Martinez, Robert

    Mayfield, Van James

    Moin, Raymond

    Muirhead, John

    O'Dell, Charles

    Padilla, David

    Palomions, Art

    Patro, Cody

    Pena, Marco

    Phelt, Jessica

    Poore, Arthur

    Prescott, Stephen

    Rasmussen, Kevin

    Redman, Chris

    Ripley, Chad

    Robeles, Daniel

    Saucedo, Edward

    Seamans, Anita

    Soto, Chris

    Stricklin, John

    Taylor, Gracie

    Treviño, Andrew

    Treviño, Jose

    Valdez, Michael

Contact Us

Main Office
(210) 486-0086 (FRA Office)
sac-lea@alamo.edu

Locations
Off-Campus
First Responders Academy (FRA=011) 
15775 IH 35 South
Atascosa, TX 78002
Download Map PDF

SAC On-Campus
Nursing and Allied Health Complex (NAHC), Rm 105

Rolando Barrientez, M.A.A.
Director of Law Enforcement Academy
San Antonio College
First Responders Academy
210-486-0987
rbarrientez4@alamo.edu

Jessica Phelt
LEA Faculty Instructor
First Responders Academy
sac-lea@alamo.edu
(210) 486-1770

Matthew Archilla
LEA Faculty Instructor
First Responders Academy
marchilla@alamo.edu

Michael Burts
LEA Faculty Instructor
First Responders Academy
mburts@alamo.edu

Jose Figueroa
LEA Faculty Instructor
First Responders Academy
jfigueroa71@alamo.edu

Michael Valdez
LEA Faculty Instructor
First Responders Academy
mvaldez174@alamo.edu