The University of Texas System Police Academy

A Message from the 100th UT System Basic Police Officer Class

Academy Motto

Mens sana in copore sano – “A sound mind in a sound body”

The University of Texas System Police Academy was established by the UT System Board of Regents on December 8, 1967, and graduated its first class of peace officers in 1968. Licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), the academy has conducted more than 100 Basic Peace Officer Courses and graduated over 2,000 cadets.

The academy provides basic and continuing education training for the 13 police departments of the University of Texas System. Training is coordinated through the Office of the Director of Police and meets or exceeds TCOLE standards. Depending on the subject matter, courses may be open to outside law enforcement agencies or reserved for UT System Police personnel.

The Basic Peace Officer Course combines classroom instruction with hands-on skills training. Cadets must demonstrate proficiency in all required areas and successfully complete the program before taking the Texas Peace Officer Licensing Exam administered by TCOLE. 

UT System peace officers are commissioned under the authority of the UT System Board of Regents and serve with full peace officer authority throughout Texas where UT System property is located. The academy also offers advanced and continuing education opportunities for licensed officers.

Located at the Bee Cave Research Center in western Travis County, the academy provides a professional training environment designed to support focused learning and practical skill development. The facility continues to prepare law enforcement professionals to serve and protect the students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors of the University of Texas System.

The academy and all associated training functions are overseen by the Academy Manager and the Assistant Director. The training staff reports through the Academy Manager to the Assistant Director. 

The University of Texas System Police Academy Advisory Board, composed of both law enforcement and public members, meets at least annually to provide advise and counsel to the Executive Director of Police and the Assistant Director, Academy Operations.

Academy Advisory Board Members

Procedure For Qualifying Applicants For Employment As Peace Officers

See: ODOP Policy 401

See also: Job Disqualifiers