Regional Training Academy
The Capital Area Council of Governments Regional Training Academy, or CAPCOG RTA, provides In-Service training courses for licensed Peace Officers and the Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) for those who wish to become licensed Peace Officers. The CAPCOG RTA is accredited by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE), the state agency governing licensure and qualifications for Texas Peace Officers.
CAPCOG RTA is a not-for-profit agency dedicated to the success of our students and COG members. Funding is provided, in part, by the Governor’s Office Criminal Justice Division (CJD).
Our staff combines nearly 60 years of Law Enforcement experience and utilizes that experience to provide quality education to the members of our COG.
Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC)
The Basic Peace Officer Course provides the academic and practical instruction as well as
preparation for the Peace Officer licensure test required for all persons hoping to become a Texas Peace Officer. To Register or Show Interest in a Basic Peace Officer Course, please visit the Training page.
Registering for a BPOC Class
Register online by visiting www.capcog.org, click on Training, then click on Law Enforcement. You can then scroll through the BPOC classes currently posted.
Click on “Show Interest” or “Register Now” and input both a telephone number and an email address. RTA staff will contact prospective candidates with further details on entering the BPOC approximately 5 to 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the BPOC.
Candidates must attend an Orientation in order to receive the packet of forms necessary for completing the entrance requirements. Dates and times for Orientation as well as deadlines for tuition and forms will be emailed to candidates.
Tuition
Tuition covers books, handouts, and basic supplies as well as instructional expenses for the RTA. Further costs for completing the entrance requirements will be covered by the candidate as
shown below under Costs.
Full-Time BPOC
The full-time, day BPOC classes run Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM for approximately 6 months. These classes are held on-site at CAPCOG RTA in the Mesquite Room training facility.
Physical Fitness Training is held every day after academics for the day are completed.
Part-Time BPOC
The part-time, night BPOC classes run Monday through Thursday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM and almost every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These classes are geared towards working adults who find it necessary to maintain their employment while attending classes. Night BPOCs are usually held off-site at various locations. Please note the location as posted under each class.
Entrance Requirements Academic Testing
Candidates must undergo a timed, 3-part test covering basic mathematics, reading
comprehension, and basic grammar/spelling skills. This test is administered at CAPCOG RTA by RTA staff on scheduled orientation days. Testing and Orientation days are scheduled for only one BPOC class posting at a time.
Candidates who possess the following criteria are exempt from taking the Academic Testing: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
2 or more years of active military service and a DD-214 (member 4 page) showing an honorable discharge
Age
TCLEOSE mandates that candidates must reach his or her 21st birthday by the end date of the BPOC class he or she is attending. There is no other age requirement.
Education
A High School Diploma, or
A GED plus 12 Semester Credits from an accredited college or university, or A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, or
2 or more years of active military service. If a candidate has exited the military, the candidate must show a DD-214 (member 4 page) showing an Honorable discharge. Military Status
Candidates who have served in the military for any amount of time are required to submit a complete Form DD-214 (Member 4 page) showing his or her Honorable Discharge and re-enlistment code. In order to be admitted into the BPOC Program, the word HONORABLE must be present under the discharge disposition.
Candidates who have 2 or more years of active military service and have been honorably discharged may forego the required academic testing.
CAPCOG RTA is an approved Veteran’s Administration school; qualified candidates may apply for Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill benefits while attending the BPOC. However, CAPCOG is not an approved school for the Post 911 GI Bill Benefits.
Physical Fitness
Day Class: Candidates must be able to run for 2 miles and pass a Peace Officer Physical administered by a licensed Texas physician.
Night Class: Candidates must be able to pass a Peace Officer Physical administered by a licensed Texas physician.
Psychological Fitness
Candidates must be able to pass a psychological exam called an MMPI administered by a licensed Texas psychologist or psychiatrist.
Criminal History
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
Cannot have been convicted of a Class B Misdemeanor within the past 10 years Cannot have been convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor within his/her lifetime Cannot have been convicted of a Felony within his/her lifetime
Approximate Costs to Attend the Academy
Please do not purchase any equipment prior to being accepted into the Basic Peace Officer Course.
Preliminary Costs:
Item Amount Aprox Cost Total
Entry Level Testing 1 $ 25.00 $ 25.00
Criminal History Background Check 1 $ 9.95 $ 9.95
Physical 1 $ 75.00 $ 75.00
Drug Screen 1 $ 50.00 $ 50.00
Psychological/Emotional Evaluation (MMPI) 1 $ 200.00 $ 200.00
Tuition 1 $ 1,500.00 $ 1,500.00
Daily Uniform:
Polo Shirts 4 $ 25.00 $ 100.00
511 Tactical Pants (GT # 511-74251) (Black, cotton) 2 $ 39.99 $ 79.98
Garrison Belt 1 $ 20.00 $ 20.00
Police Tactical Boots 1 $ 84.99 $ 84.99
Shirt/Short Set for Physical Training 2 $ 18.00 $ 36.00 Duty Rig: (due by scheduled class date)
Duty Belt 1 $ 21.95 $ 21.95
Duty Belt keepers (set of 4) 1 $ 8.95 $ 8.95
Handcuffs Case 1 $ 11.95 $ 11.95
Collapsible Baton Holder 1 $ 7.95 $ 7.95
Double Magazine Holder 1 $ 14.95 $ 14.95
Handcuffs 1 $ 23.95 $ 23.95
Holster 1 $ 50.00 $ 50.00
Weapons and Ammunition: (due by scheduled class date)
ASP Baton 1 $ 80.95 $ 80.95
Handgun 1 $ 499.00 $ 499.00
1000 rounds ammunition 1 $ 300.00 $ 300.00
5 rounds buckshot (OO or OOO) 1 $ 25.00 $ 25.00 Additional Supplies:
Mouthpiece 1 $ 1.99 $ 1.99
Running shoes 1 $ 30.00 $ 30.00
Misc. office supplies 1 $ 30.00 $ 30.00
Vehicle Lease for driving 1 $ 200.00 $ 200.00 Estimated Total Expense: $ 3,487.56
Certifications Acquired and Syllabus of Topics Taught in the Basic Peace Officer Course Note: This is a complete listing based on the Full-Time Day BPOC schedule. The Part-Time Evening BPOC syllabus may be modified to fit the Part-Time Evening model while still fulfilling the requirements mandated by TCLEOSE for the Basic Peace Officer Course; some topics or certifications may be eliminated to fit the particular schedule.
Certifications:
Basic Peace Officer Course Semi-Automatic Handgun Shotgun
Less Than Full Access TCIC/NCIC Community 1st Aid, CPR, and AED
Tactical Police Driving Expandable Baton OC Certified
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing NIMS – ICS 100 and ICS 700
Syllabus:
SUBJECT HOURS
Anti-terrorism/WMD 8
Arrest, Search, & Seizure 30
Civil Process & Liability 8
Code of Criminal Procedures 20
Communication & Problem Solving 20
Criminal Investigation: 50
Introduction General
Protection of & Crime Scene Search Interviewing Techniques
Booking Procedures
Courtroom Demeanor & Testimony Case Management
Crisis Intervention Training & Mental Health 30
Emergency Communications 16
Emergency Medical Assistance 16 Family Code & Juvenile Issues 16 Family Violence & Related Assaultive Offenses 24 Firearms, Stress Combat, & Officer Safety 48 Fitness & Wellness/Stress Management 14 Force Options & Expandable Baton 30 Hazardous Material Awareness 8
SUBJECT HOURS
Health/Safety Code – Controlled Substances 8 Introduction & Orientation 4
Mechanics of Arrest 40
Multiculturalism & Human Relations 16
NIMS: ICS 100 & ICS 700 8
OC Spray Certification 16
Patrol/Consular Notification 42
Penal Code 60
Professional Police Driving 32
Professional Policing 10
Professionalism and Ethics 10
Review and Testing 40
Spanish for Law Enforcement 20
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing & 30 Intoxicated Driver
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code 6 Texas Traffic Code, Traffic Direction 88
Accident Investigation & Practicals
U.S. & Texas Constitutions, Bill of Rights 20 & Criminal Justice System
Victims of Crime 10