The Law Enforcement Academy (LEA) Basic Peace Officer Course is designed to prepare cadets for a career as a professional peace officer. Successful completion of the LEA equips cadets with the essential skills and knowledge for certification as a Basic Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and allows cadets to take the state exam administered by TCOLE. Sponsorship by a law enforcement agency is not required for admission into the Academy.
While the program may not guarantee a job, LEA graduates have increased marketability for positions with public safety agencies as certified law enforcement personnel
The LEA offers full-time, 5-month, day academies and part-time, 8-month night academies at the Weatherford College Main campus.
LEA instructors are drawn from throughout the region, selected from those with current experience in various specializations and a strong desire to give the benefits of their knowledge to the emerging workforce. LEA instruction is heavy on law, criminal and police procedure, and extensive study outside the classroom is strongly suggested.
The LEA is designed to function as a law enforcement agency in order to facilitate learning of police procedure, and cadets are divided into “shifts” with cadet officers appointed to serve within the chain of command. In addition to teamwork and camaraderie, cadets must learn to embrace the ethical and professional behavior expected of modern law enforcement officers both on- and off-duty, in and out of uniform, and will thus be held to high standard during the Academy.
The Basic Peace Officer Course is eligible for the Texas Public Education Grant (EG), VA, and Hazelwood (Texas Vets) assistance for qualified applicants. Applicants interested in acceptance into the Law Enforcement Academy must contact the LEA office in advance to obtain entrance requirements. Among other requirements, LEA applicants must pass a criminal background check, physical exam, psychological exam, and drug screen prior to acceptance.
Total CE Hours for Academy graduation is 752 hours
If requested and upon approval, WC Academy graduates may earn up to 21 semester credit hours toward the WC Criminal Justice Degree. For additional information requirements to earn this credit, contact the WC Criminal Justice Department.