Law Enforcement Academy reopening at LSC–University Park

Lone Star College System has plans to reopen the Law Enforcement Academy at its University Park campus this January with a new director on board.

Director Lloyd Dragoo said classes will start Jan. 5 with peace officer programs for newcomers as well as service training for officers already in the field.

Enrollees in the Basic Peace Officer course can choose from a full-time academy with a 40-hour weekly schedule, or day or night academies running four hours each day, four days each week. State requirements set by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement call for a minimum of 643 training hours to become a police officer. Students will rack up 700 hours by the end of the program.

The program, which ends the first week of May for full-time enrollees, concludes with the state licensing exam administered by TCLE. All students who pass officially become eligible to serve anywhere in the state, including with sheriff's departments, municipal police departments and constable offices.

Dragoo said he is expecting between 90 and 120 cadets to enroll. No matter how full classes get, he said he would not turn anyone away.

"I'll handle as many that come in," Dragoo said. "We'll find the space."

Students interested in applying must be between the ages of 20 and 63 with a high school diploma or GED and must pass a physical, psychological test, drug screening and criminal history background check. More information and applications can be found online.