Basic Program

Mission Purpose Program Summary Standards Process Class Dates Apply

 

The mission of the academy is to provide training and testing that ensures each student graduates with the demonstrated character, knowledge, problem-solving abilities, human relations, communication and physical skills necessary to meet the professional standards required of a peace officer.

 

The Hill College Police Academy strives to prepare students mentally, morally and physically to advance into a field-training program, assume the responsibilities and execute the duties of a peace officer in society.  This Academy also strives to assure the missions of TCOLE and Hill College are met.

The basic academy program involves more than 736 hours of classroom and hands-on training.  This course is available to police departments sending recruits, or individual applicants. Completion of this training allows individuals to take the TCOLE licensing examination to become a Texas Peace Officer.

The basic academy program is available to individuals who meet admission standards and are accepted for attendance.   Attendees must be prepared for a demanding program.  The process is mentally and physically challenging.  There are significant time demands both in and out of the classroom. But the rewards are high for those who are capable of the challenge.  Policing is an honorable profession.  Service to others is a high calling, one that few are willing to accept in their lives.

Our program typically runs Monday – Thursday during the day.  Alternative times may be available as local demand requires and time allows.

We have very strict attendance and appearance standards.  We require participation in physical training regimens and expect attendees to maintain the highest standards of ethical behavior.  You will have to pass a thorough background investigation, physical examination, drug screen, and psychological screening.

Still interested? Training Coordinators should contact the Academy Coordinator directly. If you are applying as an independent applicant, your first step is to review the admission standards.  Here you can learn about what is required to attend, read about the background investigation process, and learn about enrollment, fees, required equipment, withdrawal, dropping, disability accommodation, and Veterans information.

 

 

Daytime class dates are all held at the Burleson Higher Education Center. 

  • November 16, 2026 - April 2, 2027
  • January 11, 2027 - May 28, 2027
  • March 22, 2027 - August 6, 2027
  • June 28, 2027 - November 12, 2027
  • August 23, 2027 - January 7, 2028
  • November 15, 2027 - March 31, 2028
  • January 10, 2028 - May 26, 2028
  • March 20, 2028 - August 4, 2028

The Hill College Police Academy can offer two evening programs each year. These are determined by adequate interest. Dates are pending, but generally start in the Spring and Fall and are held in Cleburne at the Johnson County Campus.

If you're interested in evening classes, please contact program coordinator Mike Hughes at mwhughes@hillcollege.edu. 

 

The link below will forward you to a pre-screening form.  This form will be used to determine if you meet minimum admission standards for the police academy.  Completion of the form does not qualify you for attendance.  There are numerous steps in the application process.

 

In-Service Program

Mission Purpose Class Dates

 

The mission of the in-service program is to provide training that ensures officers continue to meet the professional standards required of a peace officer.

 

The in-service training program strives to advance the knowledge and skills of criminal justice practitioners, better equipping them to continue the practice of their duties and responsibilities in society.

Classes will be announced soon.

Contact

Mike Hughes

Mike Hughes
Police Academy Coordinator
517 SW Johnson Rd. 
Burleson, TX 76028
254.659.7983
mwhughes@hillcollege.edu

Class Descriptions

ACTIVE COURSE SCHEDULE

Dates Course TCOLE# Hours Tuition
October 26-28,2026 Mental Health Officer 4201 24 $200
October 29, 2026 De-escalation Techniques 1849 8 $100
November 2-6, 2026 Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)  1850 40 $350
January 11-13, 2027 Mental Health Officer 4201 24 $200
January 14, 2027 De-escalation Techniques 1849 8 $100
January 25-29, 2027 Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) 1850 40 $350

 

Location: Burleson Higher Education Center, 517 SW Johnson Avenue, Burleson, TX 76028

Registration: Register Here

The TCOLE Basic Instructor course is designed for law enforcement personnel seeking to develop and enhance their instructional skills. This 40-hour course covers principles of adult learning, lesson planning, instructional methods, presentation techniques, and student assessment and evaluation. Participants develop the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to effectively prepare and deliver law enforcement training. 

Duration: 40 hours
Location: Burleson Higher Education Center, Burleson, Texas
Cost: $350
Prerequisites: None
Dates: TBD
Dress Code: Uniform or Business Casual
Student Supplies: Pen, Paper, Laptop
Registration: Register Here

The TCOLE Firearms Instructor Class is designed for law enforcement personnel who will be responsible for firearms instruction and training. This 40-hour course addresses firearms safety, marksmanship fundamentals, firearms training techniques, range operations, qualification, and instructional methods. Participants engage in classroom and range activities designed to develop their ability to safely and effectively instruct other officers in the use of firearms. 

Duration: 40 hours
Location: Hill College Campus and Range, Hillsboro, Texas
Cost: $500
Prerequisites: Completed TCOLE Basic Instructor Class and hold the related instructor proficiency certificate
Dates: TBD
Dress Code: Attire appropriate for outdoor activity (please bring foul-weather dress as well)
Student Supplies: Pen, Paper
Note: All attendees must pass the shooting qualification the morning of the first day of class. An equipment and ammunition list will be emailed to registered participants before the course.
Registration: Register Here

The TCOLE Patrol Rifle Instructor course is designed for law enforcement personnel who will be responsible for providing rifle instruction within their agencies. This 40-hour course addresses rifle safety, marksmanship fundamentals, weapon handling, instructional techniques, range operations, and training methodologies specific to law enforcement patrol rifles. 

Participants engage in classroom and range exercises designed to develop their ability to safely and effectively instruct other officers in patrol rifle skills. 

Duration: 40 hours
Location: Hill College Campus and Range, Hillsboro, Texas
Cost: $500
Prerequisites: Completed TCOLE Firearms Instructor course
Dates: TBD
Dress Code: Attire appropriate for outdoor activity (please bring foul-weather dress as well)
Student Supplies: Pen, Paper
Note: An equipment and ammunition list will be emailed to registered participants before the course
Registration: Register Here

The TCOLE Intermediate Crime Scene Search course provides law enforcement officers with training in crime scene investigation and processing and meets the applicable training requirement associated with the TCOLE Intermediate Peace Officer proficiency certificate.

This 40-hour course addresses crime scene management, documentation, evidence recognition, collection and preservation, photography, measurements, sketching, and other essential crime scene processing techniques. 

Duration: 40 hours
Location: Burleson Higher Education Center, Burleson, Texas
Cost: $350
Prerequisites: None
Dates: TBD
Dress Code: Uniform or Business Casual
Student Supplies: Pen, Paper, Laptop, Camera, Tape Measure (x 2)
Registration: Register Here

This course is designed to improve law enforcement officers' ability to effectively interact and communicate with drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing. The 4-hour course addresses communication barriers, appropriate communication techniques, legal and practical considerations, and strategies officers can use to improve interactions with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

The course provides officers with practical information they can apply during traffic stops and other law enforcement contacts while promoting effective communication, officer safety, and appropriate accommodation.

Duration: 4 hours
Location: Burleson Higher Education Center, Burleson, Texas
Cost: $50
Prerequisites: None
Dates: TBD
Dress Code: Uniform or Business Casual
Student Supplies: Pen, Paper
Registration: Register Here

The TCOLE Canine Encounters course is designed to provide law enforcement officers with knowledge and practical strategies for safely responding to encounters involving dogs. This 4-hour course addresses canine behavior, recognizing behavioral cues, officer safety considerations, situational assessment, and response options during law enforcement encounters involving canines. 

The course is intended to help officers make informed decisions during canine encounters while considering officer safety, public safety, and alternatives that may reduce unnecessary injury to officers, members of the public, and animals.

Duration: 4 hours
Location: Burleson Higher Education Center, Burleson, Texas
Cost: $50
Prerequisites: None
Dates: TBD
Dress Code: Uniform or Business Casual
Student Supplies: Pen, Paper
Registration: Register Here

The Basic Patrol Rifle course is designed for law enforcement personnel to develop foundational skills in the safe and effective use of patrol rifles. This 30-hour course emphasizes firearms safety, rifle manipulation, marksmanship fundamentals, weapon handling, shooting positions, and practical application of the patrol rifle in a law enforcement environment. 

Participants engage in extensive hands-on range training designed to build safe weapon-handling habits and improve proficiency with the patrol rifle. 

Duration: 30 hours
Location: Hill College Campus and Range, Hillsboro, Texas
Cost: $350
Prerequisites: None
Dates: TBD
Dress Code: Attire appropriate for outdoor activity (please bring foul-weather attire as well)
Student Supplies: Pen, Paper
Note: An equipment and ammunition list will be provided to registered participants before the course.
Registration: Register Here

The TCOLE Mental Health Officer course is a 24-hour program designed to provide peace officers with advanced training for recognizing, responding to, and assisting individuals experiencing mental health-related crises. 

The course emphasizes identifying situations appropriate for intervention, understanding available mental health resources, developing effective community partnerships, and applying appropriate strategies when interacting with persons experiencing a mental health crisis. The course builds upon mental health, crisis intervention, and de-escalation concepts and places additional emphasis on connecting individuals with appropriate community resources and improving the law enforcement response to persons with mental health needs. 

Duration: 24 hours
Location: Burleson Higher Education Center, Burleson, Texas
Cost: $200
Prerequisites: Participants should be Texas Peace Officers seeking Mental Health Officer training. Completion of the course does not by itself guarantee issuance of a TCOLE proficiency certificate; participants are responsible for meeting applicable TCOLE requirements. 
Dates: October 26-28, 2026; January 11-13, 2027
Dress Code: Uniform or Business Casual
Student Supplies: Pen, Paper, Laptop 
Registration: Register Here

The TCOLE De-escalation Techniques course provides peace officers with strategies for reducing the intensity of encounters and improving communication during potentially volatile interactions. 

This 8-hour course addresses recognizing opportunities for de-escalation, effective communication, decision-making, officer safety, and techniques intended to reduce the need for force when circumstances reasonably permit. The course provides officers with practical concepts that can be applied during contacts with individuals who may be angry, emotionally distressed, resistant, or experiencing a crisis. 

Duration: 8 hours
Location: Burleson Higher Education Center, Burleson, Texas
Cost: $100
Prerequisites: None
Dates: October 29, 2026; January 14, 2027
Dress Code: Uniform or Business Casual
Student Supplies: Pen, Paper
Registration: Register Here

The TCOLE Crisis Intervention Training course is a comprehensive 40-hour program designed to improve law enforcement response to individuals experiencing mental health and behavioral health crises. 

The course provides officers with knowledge and practical skills for recognizing mental illness and crises, communicating effectively with individuals in crisis, employing appropriate de-escalation strategies, and identifying resources and alternatives available when responding to mental health-related calls. 

The course emphasizes officer safety, effective communications, crisis recognition, de-escalation, problem solving, and appropriate resolution of encounters involving individuals experiencing mental or behavioral health crises. 

Duration: 40 hours
Location: Burleson Higher Education Center, Burleson, Texas
Cost: $350
Prerequisites: None
Dates: November 2-6, 2026; January 25-29, 2027
Dress Code: Uniform or Business Casual
Student Supplies: Pen, Paper, Laptop
Registration: Register Here

 

Administrative Reports & Documents