"NEW" Constable's Training Requirements

Section 1701.3545 of the Texas Occupations Code gives guidelines for the training requirements.Constables serving prior to January 1, 2006 must complete the Constable's Continuing Education Training (course 3743), prior to 06/18/2009 and must complete Crisis Intervention Training (either course 3840 or course 3841 or course 4001) by 09/01/2009.Constables elected or appointed on or after January 1, 2006 must complete the New Constable's Training course 3742, prior to the second anniversary of their election or appointment and must complete Crisis Intervention Training (either course 3840 or course 3841 or course 4001) by 09/01/2009. The Constables Continuing Education Training must be completed within 48 months of the first anniversary of their completion of the New Constable's Training. Both the New Constable's Training course and the Constable's Continuing Education course exempts the constable from the continuing education requirements of Special Investigative Topics, Cultural Diversity, Civil Process and the 40 hour requirement for training every 24 months. Kaye Wilson Credentialing and Enforcement Division TCLEOSE

§ 1701.3545. INITIAL TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR CONSTABLES.

(a) A public institution of higher education selected by the commission shall establish and offer a program of initial training and a program of continuing education for constables. The curriculum for each program must relate to law enforcement management and civil process issues. The institution selected under this subsection shall develop the curriculum for the programs. The curriculum must be approved by the commission.(b) Each constable must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education provided by the selected institution under this section each 48-month period. The commission by rule shall establish a uniform 48-month continuing education training period.(c) An individual appointed or elected to that individual's first position as constable must complete at least 40 hours of initial training for new constables in accordance with Subsections (d) and (e).(d) A newly appointed or elected constable shall complete the initial training program for new constables not later than the second anniversary of that individual's appointment or election as constable. The initial training program for new constables is in addition to the initial training required by this chapter. The commission by rule shall establish that the first continuing education training period for an individual under Subsection (b) begins on the first day of the first uniform continuing education training period that follows the date the individual completed the initial training program.(e) The institution selected under Subsection (a) by rule may provide waiver of:

(1) all or part of the required 40 hours of initial training for new constables to the extent the new constable has satisfactorily completed equivalent training during the 24 months preceding the individual's appointment or election; or

(2) the continuing education requirements of Subsection (b) for an individual who has satisfactorily completed equivalent continuing education during the preceding 24 months.

(f) An individual who is subject to the continuing education requirements of Subsection (b) is exempt from other continuing education requirements under this subchapter.(g) The commission shall establish procedures to annually determine the status of the peace officer license of each elected constable and to ensure that constables comply with this section. The commission shall forward to the attorney general's office documentation for each constable who does not comply with this section. A constable who does not comply with this section forfeits the office and the attorney general shall institute a quo warranto proceeding under Chapter 66, Civil Practices and Remedies Code, to remove the constable from office.

(h) To the extent of a conflict between this section and any other law this section controls.

Constable's Leadership College

The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) is an intensive Constable leadership educational program requiring a sincere commitment of time away from your agency and the completion of a comprehensive written research project. This progressive and challenging program is modeled on the 9-week Leadership and Command College (LCC), conducted by the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute. The courses are taught in a highly interactive manner that encourages continuous thought and participation. The curriculum covers all aspects of modern law enforcement management techniques, styles and philosophies. Constables will keep a learning journal throughout the week in order to construct a personal philosophy of leadership and supervision. A statement of their philosophy will be required for completion of the Leadership Program.

Cost: Free to Constables and deputies, each class is limited to first 70 attendees. You can obtain registration forms online from www.shsu.edu/~lemit/ or contact Judy Anderson at (936) 294-1670 at Sam Houston State University for more information.