Galveston County Law Enforcement Academy
- Certificate
Train With Purpose. Serve With Honor.
Become a Texas peace officer through a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) and College of the Mainland. Train under the authority and expertise of the GCSO while earning college credit through COM, combining professional law enforcement training with a direct pathway to continue your education and advance your career.
Important Dates
Next Academy Begins
Application Close Date
From Training to Service
GCSO-Operated Academy
College Credit
One Semester
Advanced Training Facilities
Steps to Apply
The Galveston County Law Enforcement Academy is a selective-admissions program with separate eligibility, screening and selection requirements. Admission to College of the Mainland does not guarantee admission to the Academy.
- Complete an Interest Form
Complete the interest form to receive Academy eligibility requirements and a pre-application. - Submit Your Pre-Application
The pre-application is the first step in the Academy selection process and allows Academy staff to conduct an initial review of your eligibility before you complete the full application and required screenings. - Complete the Full Application
Candidates who advance through the pre-application review will be invited to complete the full application, including a background check, fingerprinting, drug screening, and required physical and psychological evaluations. - Academy Review
Academy leadership reviews completed applications and determines selection based on eligibility requirements, screening results, available capacity and applicable selection criteria. Agency-sponsored candidates are preferred, but sponsorship is not required to apply. - Apply to COM
Once selected by the Academy, complete the College of the Mainland admissions process. - Register for Classes
Selected cadets register for the required COM Criminal Justice courses.
Who Should Apply?
The Academy is designed for individuals preparing to become licensed Texas peace officers. Candidates must meet applicable TCOLE and Academy eligibility requirements.
Basic Eligibility
- High school diploma or GED
- At least 21 years old by graduation
- Valid driver’s license
- Meet applicable TCOLE citizenship and residency requirements
- Satisfy applicable criminal history requirements
- Pass required drug screening
- Complete required physical and psychological evaluations
Preferred Candidates
- Candidates selected and endorsed by a law enforcement agency
- Candidates with an established employment pathway before the Academy begins
- Certified corrections officers or jailers seeking to become licensed peace officers
Not Sponsored by an Agency?
Career & Education Pathways
Your training doesn’t end with the Academy. Become a Texas Peace Officer.
Complete the Academy
- Earn 21 college credits and a Level I Certificate.
- Take the TCOLE State Licensing Examination
- Begin Your Law Enforcement Career
Continue Your Education
- Earn 21 Academy Credits
- Complete 39 Additional Credits
- Earn an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Program Details and Tuition
| Program | Basic Peace Officer Course |
|---|---|
| Credential | Level 1 Certificate |
| College Credit | 21 Credit Hours |
| Length | One semester full-time, day academy |
| Format | In person |
| Class Size | Up to 30 cadets |
| Next Academy Start Date | Jan. 11, 2027 |
| Pre-Application Deadline | Oct. 30, 2026 |
| Complete Application Deadline | Nov. 15, 2026 |
| Estimated Cost | TBD |
Students who successfully complete the Basic Peace Officer Course are eligible to
take the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) State Licensing Examination.
Eligible students may qualify for federal or state financial aid, grants, scholarships
or other assistance through COM.
Additional Academy Program Information
- Apply to the Galveston County Law Enforcement Academy
Complete the Academy application process. - Complete Academy Review
The Galveston County Law Enforcement Academy Director will evaluate candidates for admission. - Apply to College of the Mainland
Complete the COM admissions process and submit all required admission documents. - Register for COM Courses
Candidates selected for the Academy will register for the required Criminal Justice courses through College of the Mainland.
- Registration Opens – September 28, 2026
- Application Deadline – October 30, 2026
- Academy Begins – January 11, 2027
College of the Mainland offers resources that may help eligible students pay for college, including federal and state financial aid, grants, scholarships and other assistance.
The Academy operates under the authority of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.
- Sheriff
- Chief Deputy
- Major
- Academy Director
- Assistant Director
- Instructors
- Cadets
Who operates the Galveston County Law Enforcement Academy?
The Academy operates under the authority of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.
College of the Mainland hosts the Academy and provides enrollment, academic and facility
support.
Where is the Academy located?
Training will take place at COM's Public Safety Careers Building, 7733 Monticello
Drive, Texas City, TX 77591.
When does the Academy begin?
The first Academy cohort is planned to begin in January 2027.
Do I have to be sponsored by a law enforcement agency?
No. Candidates endorsed by a law enforcement agency are preferred, but non-sponsored
candidates may also be evaluated. All candidates must meet applicable TCOLE and COM
admission requirements.
How many cadets will be accepted?
The Academy will have a maximum cohort of 30 cadets. A minimum cohort of 12 cadets
is required.
How much does the Tuition cost?
Current planning estimates are $1,617 in tuition plus a $400 Academy program fee.
What credential will I earn?
Law Enforcement Level One (1) Certificate.
How long does the Academy take to complete?
The Academy is completed in one semester and includes 21 semester credit hours.
What happens after I graduate from the Academy?
After successfully completing the Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC), graduates are
eligible to take the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) State Licensing Examination.
After passing the examination and meeting all applicable TCOLE licensing requirements,
graduates may pursue employment and appointment as a Texas peace officer.
Academy graduates also earn 21 college credit hours and a Level I Certificate in Criminal Justice, which can be applied toward College of the Mainland’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Learn more about paying for college at Paying for College
What facilities will cadets use?
Academy cadets will train at College of the Mainland's 50,884-square-foot Public Safety
Careers Building, designed for hands-on education and training in law enforcement,
fire technology and emergency medical services.
Public Safety Careers Building
7733 Monticello Drive
Texas City, TX 77591
Facility highlights include:
- Indoor 10-lane firing range
- Training tower
- Classrooms
- Labs and specialized workstations
- Simulation room
- Learning center and conference room
- Apparatus bay
- Dedicated public safety training spaces