Basic Peace Officer

Overview

We’re excited that you’re considering a career in law enforcement. Whether you’ve always known that becoming a police officer was your goal or you’ve only recently become interested, the Weatherford College Law Enforcement Academy (WCLEA) would be honored to guide you on that journey.

A career in law enforcement is challenging, rewarding, and deeply fulfilling. At our academy, we are committed to supporting your success—both as a student and as a future officer. Our instructors bring extensive experience from the field, with most being current or former law enforcement professionals. They are dedicated to sharing their knowledge for your growth and benefit.

We challenge our cadets academically, physically, and emotionally to ensure they graduate as the best version of themselves. We offer two day academies and one night academy each year. The day academy runs approximately six months, while the night academy is approximately nine months due to its evening schedule.

If you’re interested in joining, please email wcpspinfo@wc.edu. You can also click on the Academy Application Packet on the right-hand side of this page. The packet includes detailed instructions and all the information needed to guide you through the application process. Once your application is accepted, our academy staff will notify you with the next steps.

2026 Classes

Tuition for each course is $2,300 non-credit or $3,250 credit + equipment, books & supplies = estimated cost could be up to $3,520 (NC) or $4,000(C)

**Additional fees will apply for Sims Ammunition and Taser Cartridges**

Requirements

Prospective day class cadets will be required to participate in daily physical training. Night class cadets will not be required to participate in physical training, due shorter class times. Each cadet will need to purchase uniforms, gear and ammunition to successfully complete the program. All of these requirements will be spelled out in the initial information packet.

Career Options

After graduation and upon completion of a state examination, each cadet will be licensed Texas peace officers. Being peace officers opens the door to many different opportunities in the law enforcement field. Most cadets will find themselves employed with a local or state agency and will undergo field training until they are released on their own. In this capacity, the cadet will be in a protective policing role, which is considered a more traditional path into law enforcement. There are also opportunities in corrections, intelligence and opportunities with state agencies such as the Department Of Public Safety or Game Wardens. With a peace officer's license in hand, a cadet will find themselves in more competitive positions in the job market. Our goal is to help each cadet find work after they graduate.

Our academy has recently achieved 100% first attempt pass rate on the state exam. Also, each cadet from the last graduating class has been employed by a police agency and is succeeding in their new role.

Related Programs

Each cadet would have the opportunity to continue their education in our Criminal Justice department.

Scholarships

Each scholarship is listed in the information packet, but also with Workforce Education scholarships.

Fees / Costs

The tuition for our Police Academy is $2,300.00. Altogether we ask that each cadet prepare to spend approximately $3,520.00.

Accreditation Info

The Academy is accredited and recognized by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as a training provider.

Faculty

Basic Peace Officer Faculty in the Faculty Directory