Focused briefings on requirements, comparisons, and named career paths.
DPS is not a city PD. Age 20 to apply, 21 at graduation, 60 college hours. C-2027 takes applications to February 19, 2027; B-2027, the Advanced school, to December 31, 2026.
TDCJ hires at 18 with a diploma or GED. Paid academy about 6 weeks and 240 hours. TDCJ Class A is 10 years; TCOLE Class A is lifetime.
First sworn officer pay at Dallas-Fort Worth police departments plus Texas DPS, each figure read from the city's own pay plan or ordinance, with the document named in the row. Houston, San Antonio, and Austin are not estimated.
TCOLE certification, training requirements, salary ranges, and hiring process for 2026.
How to become a fire investigator. Most departments want 3-5 years of firefighting first. Then NAFI CFEI, later IAAI-CFI. NFPA 921. 50-150 cases a year.
Whether a misdemeanor disqualifies you from law enforcement depends on the offense type, severity, and your state's POST standards.
