south texas college

Basic Peace Officer Certificate

Basic Peace Officer Course

Program Learning Outcomes

  • The student will be able to:

    • Interpret and execute fitness and wellness concepts related to law enforcement. 
    • Identify and interpret statutes located in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP).
    • Identify legal procedures related to arrest, search, and seizure.
    • Identify offenses of the Texas Penal Code.
    • Identify offenses from the Texas Transportation Code.
    • How about demonstrate effective written communication skills that includes writing police reports.
    • Identify and apply strategies of defense, mechanical skills of arrest, and techniques regarding use of force.
    • Demonstrate the ability to safely handle, accurately fire, and throughly clean a handgun.
    • Demonstrate skills used in emergency medical situations.
    • Demonstrate proficiency and ability to operate a law enforcement vehicle while applying defensive driving components and safety skills.
    • Illustrate methods of patrol function and responsibilities regarding consular notification.
    • Recognize statutory responsibilities regarding victims' rights and legal issues related to family violence as well as related assaultive offenses.
    • Distinguish crisis intervention skills involved in communicating with individuals with mental illnesses and techniques for appropriate apprehension per Texas Health & Safety Code (Mental Health Code).
    • Translate general objectives of criminal investigations and procedures related to crime search, interviewing techniques, booking procedures, courtroom demeanor, courtroom testimony, and case management.

Course Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of nutrition concepts required to maintain a high level of performance, fitness, and wellness.
  • Recognize causes, effects, responses, and strategies for stress management, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicide.
  • Describe police service models and police organizational issues.
  • Explain civil and criminal laws related to unethical behavior of peace officers and the crucial role of ethics and professionalism.
  • Interpret and apply the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Texas Constitution as they pertain to the role of peace officers and the rights of citizens.
  • Discuss the general duties and responsibilities for officers as enumerated by the CCP including criminal procedures related to:
    a. Courts and their criminal jurisdiction
    b. Procedures in prevention and suppression of offenses
    c. Time limitations relating to felonies and misdemeanors
    d. Requirements and procedures for arrests and search warrants
    e. Inquests upon dead bodies
    f. Sex Offender Registration Program process
  • Understand the legal authorities as they pertain to the role of peace officer and the rights of citizens regarding arrest.
  • Explain provisions in the Texas Penal Code including:
    a. Punishments
    b. Inchoate Offenses
    c. Offenses against the person
    d. Offenses against the family
    e. Offenses against property
    f. Offenses against public administration
    g. Offenses against public order and decency
    h. Offenses against public health, safety, and morals
    i. Organized crime