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The Court Security Officer Course (TCOLE #10999) is an 8-hour introductory program that establishes the minimum standard for courthouse security training. It provides officers with a basic foundation in court security and was developed to ensure that any officer assigned to court duties receives at least some formal instruction.
The Court Security Specialist Course (TCOLE #21001) is a 40-hour, advanced course designed for peace officers, bailiffs, and courthouse personnel. This comprehensive course addresses the unique challenges of judicial security, fulfills the training requirements set forth in Senate Bill 42 (Judge Julie Kocurek Judicial and Courthouse Security Act of 2017), and equips participants with the skills to protect judges, staff, jurors, and the public.
In summary:
Officers looking for advanced training, those regularly assigned to courthouses, or those pursuing the TCOLE Court Security Specialist Certificate.
If you have recently been assigned to court security, you need the 8-hour Officer Course. If you want to specialize in court security, gain additional skills, or work toward the TCOLE Proficiency Certificate, you should take the 40-hour Specialist Course.
The 40-hour Specialist Course is not mandatory for every officer, but it is required for those pursuing the Court Security Specialist Proficiency Certificate and is highly recommended for agencies with dedicated courthouse security personnel.
Bailiff roles, courtroom security planning, weapons screening, use of technology, explosives and incendiary device awareness, active threat response, high-risk trial security, and firearms range training.
Yes. Upon successful completion, the training provider will report your hours to TCOLE, and they will appear on your TCOLE training record.
Students should bring a notepad, duty gear, and appropriate identification. For the firearms training portion, you will need your duty weapon, 200 rounds of ammunition, hearing and eye protection, and range-appropriate gear.
Most courses run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.
Yes, in the 40-hour Specialist Course. The final day includes live-fire firearms training and qualification.
Yes, but only Texas peace officers receive TCOLE credit. Out-of-state officers may still receive valuable training and a certificate of completion.
After completing the 40-hour Specialist Course and meeting TCOLE requirements, you may apply directly through TCOLE for the certificate.