TICO explores wellness training and resource checkpoints for small Texas police agencies

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) held a meeting on April 4, 2025, focusing on the mental wellness of law enforcement officers across the state. A significant discussion point was the emotional toll that a career in policing can take on officers, particularly in smaller agencies, which make up over 60% of Texas's 2,800 law enforcement agencies.

Participants emphasized the need for modernizing wellness training in police academies to better address the long-term emotional damage officers may experience. Recommendations included reviewing current training programs and developing a resource guide to assist agencies in implementing effective wellness strategies.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of connecting smaller agencies to wellness programs, particularly through a proposed checkpoints program. This initiative aims to provide support not only to police officers but also to other first responders, such as firefighters and dispatchers, who often face similar challenges.

The discussion underscored the necessity of collaboration among various law enforcement entities to enhance mental health resources and training. The commission plans to convene subcommittees to explore specific action items before the next meeting, aiming to create a more supportive environment for officers statewide.

Overall, the meeting marked a critical step towards improving mental health resources for law enforcement personnel in Texas, particularly in smaller agencies that may lack the necessary support systems.