TCOLE reports major progress on ALERT/3311 training; sets timeline to reach remaining officers

The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement reported progress toward a statewide training requirement created by Senate Bill 1852 and the agency’s internal “Target 100” outreach.

Executive Director Stevens said the statute requires every peace officer to have 16 hours of ALERT training every two years and that the sponsor intended officers to complete the 33‑11 alert level‑1 class. Stevens said tens of thousands had not completed that training at the statutory deadline but that, with help from the Texas Department of Public Safety, ALERT and statewide partners, many classes were offered. “As of Friday, Aug. 29, we were down to only 5,797 appointed peace officers who have not completed 33‑11,” Stevens said. He also reported 6,655 unappointed peace officers who hold a license but are not appointed; those will require different outreach because appointment is typically required for class access.

Deputy Chief Vineyard and compliance staff said the agency will continue outreach and produce county‑level maps and heat maps so training providers can target remaining attendees. Vineyard said the agency is making the information available to training providers and plans to break the data down by county and by appointing agency so that training providers can directly contact officers who still need classes.

Director Jessica Capero (IT) reported that her team and agency partners have rebuilt training materials and launched compliance dashboards. She said a short course required by legislation (31‑89 legislative update) and a mandatory course for licensees called “Protecting your TCOLE license” (course 7006) were both made available online on Sept. 1; instructor resource guides are also available for agencies wishing to teach a local face‑to‑face version.

TCOLE staff thanked the Texas Police Chiefs Association, Sheriffs’ Association of Texas and labor groups for working with the sponsor and the agency to make training widely available. Stevens said the statutory compliance goal will be extended to Aug. 31, 2027: “Every Texas peace officer must have 33‑11 alert level 1 training by 08/31/2027,” he said, while urging agencies to get as many officers through as possible in the current cycle.

Why it matters: The 3311/ALERT training is a statutorily required standard that affects the state’s entire licensed peace officer population. The agency’s mapping and outreach effort is intended to close remaining gaps before the extended deadline.

Ending: TCOLE staff said they will continue to provide courses, post rosters and accept agency rosters for 30 days after training to ensure records are updated.