TCLEOSE is driving me crazy!!!

I guess this could be considered part 2 of my "Law Enforcement" thread so please bare with me, I just need to vent a little. In TX a law enforcement officer is required to take 40hr's of continuing education courses every 2yrs so we can be kept up to date with changes in the laws and retain a valid license. Well to make a long story shorter two of the classes I was told by TCLEOSE that I needed was not true because I took them in the academy and they are no longer required.....same page people, get on it!!!

Other than that I am progressing smoothly with Precinct 3 Constables Dept and my courses.

 

After speaking with the director at the academy about this it just seems TCLEOSE's terminology differs from the norm and the good news is that I am now back on track. Two more classes and I will have reached the required hours for my current training cycle. Two weeks ago I attended a advanced course in "crime scene investigation" and learned how to properly process a crime scene (what to do and what not to do) and that was a very enlightening class. That class gave me 32hrs towards my next training cycle so I am now actually a step ahead of the game. 90% of the classes can be taken for free online but I really enjoy the personal interaction of the class room. I had the best instructor today for "Cultural Diversity" and the greatest advantage to attending classes is the contacts you make, priceless they are.

My goal is to put in as many class room hours as possible and possibly transition over to the Fort Bend County Sheriffs Office, maybe. I know we have a few LEO's here who will understand my next point/concern/question. I had to take a psych eval for the academy, which cost $100, so I do not understand why this is required again with certain dept's?

Oh well it is what it is right? Good times.

 

Those are taught in the academy.

 

I realize I did not cover in detail most of your list Toggie but thank you for bringing these points up. The more public feedback law enforcement personnel receive is a good thing.

 

I received an unexpected call yesterday from a local sheriffs dept letting me know I have been selected for testing. The test is the Nelson-Denny which is a simple test that measures a persons vocabulary, comprehension, and reading rate. I took this test in the academy so it is a no brainer and it seems it is required every few years if you are not with a dept. So this is a good thing but is just the first step in a LONG process with this dept. I applied for a reserve position as they currently have no full time openings at this time. This dept has the main advantage of being very close and in a county I just love and is where I have been taking classes.

Keep a good thought for me ok,
Gregg

 

I agree with you 110% that a course like this should be a requirement at all levels. I could go into more detail going down your list but I am not here to argue the finer points of your list although I do see a few on items on your list that can be argued/debated yet that discussion would only apply to Texas laws.

 

Thank you Ron I appreciate your support. You know I think my timing could not have been better regarding my age and life experience when I entered the academy. What I mean by this is that I was not a young and gung ho 'wet behind the ears' youngster nor am I a veteran with 20+yrs who became tainted with society in general.

It is kind of a shame though that 'reserves' are unpaid yet are still required to put their life on the line. It seems a lot of departments are now hiring for full time positions from their 'reserves' but I am willing to sacrifice this for the overall good.

Happy Happy Happy!

 

So today was my last class for this training cycle and it was on 'Crisis Intervention' and I'll be damned if the instructor is an officer with a dept I had applied with in '11. He was going to hire me but then was promoted and the officer who took over his position denied me employment simply because I have a few terminations in my 35yr work history. I had already passed all of the requirements and back ground checks and even passed the interview board.

Maybe today was fate and he was surprised that I had not been picked up already. He told me he still has all my information and that they will have a fulltime position/opening within the next month. He gave me his card as well as the contact of the officer over hiring and training and that he will provide him with all my info and also give me his personal recommendation.

I did a 'ride along' with this dept and I knew it could be a great home for me and the best part is that it is less than 30mins away from the house. Man this new opportunity is just what I needed, wish me luck.

Have a great weekend everyone,
Gregg