Divisions

Regional Training Academy

BPOC

The Capital Area Council of Governments Regional Training Academy, or CAPCOG RTA, provides In-Service training courses for licensed Peace Officers and the Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) for those who wish to become licensed Peace Officers. The CAPCOG RTA is accredited by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE), the state agency governing licensure and qualifications for Texas Peace Officers.

CAPCOG RTA is a not-for-profit agency dedicated to the success of our students and COG members. Funding is provided, in part, by the Governor's Office Criminal Justice Division (CJD). Our staff combines nearly 60 years of Law Enforcement experience and utilizes that experience to provide quality education to the members of our COG.

A list of classes currently being offered can be found on the CAPCOG TRAINING PAGE

For more information please contact Stephanie Johnston.

Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC)

The Basic Peace Officer Course provides the academic and practical instruction as well as preparation for the Peace Officer licensure test required for all persons hoping to become a Texas Peace Officer. To Register or Show Interest in a Basic Peace Officer Course, please visit the Training page.

Registering for a BPOC Class
Register online by visiting www.capcog.org, click on Training, then click on Law Enforcement. You can then scroll through the BPOC classes currently posted. Click on "Show Interest" or "Register Now" and input both a telephone number and an email address. RTA staff will contact prospective candidates with further details on entering the BPOC approximately 5 to 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the BPOC. Candidates must attend an Orientation in order to receive the packet of forms necessary for completing the entrance requirements. Dates and times for Orientation as well as deadlines for tuition and forms will be emailed to candidates.

Tuition
Tuition is $1,500.00 for candidates living within the 10-county COG region. For candidates from outside the 10-county region, tuition is $1,900.00. Tuition is due by the posted deadline and must be paid in full by the time of the posted deadline. CAPCOG RTA does not accept payment installment plans. Payment can be made online, with a Credit Card, or in person with a Money Order or Cashier's Check made out to CAPCOG RTA.

Tuition covers books, handouts, and basic supplies as well as instructional expenses for the RTA. Further costs for completing the entrance requirements will be covered by the candidate as shown below under Costs.

Full-Time BPOC
The full-time, day BPOC classes run Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM for approximately 6 months. These classes are held on-site at CAPCOG RTA in the Mesquite Room training facility.

Physical Fitness Training is held every day after academics for the day are completed.

Part-Time BPOC
The part-time, night BPOC classes run Monday through Thursday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM and almost every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These classes are geared towards working adults who find it necessary to maintain their employment while attending classes. Night BPOCs are usually held off-site and various locations. Please note the location as posted under each class.

Entrance Requirements

Academic Testing

Candidates must undergo a timed, 3-part test covering basic mathematics, reading comprehension, and basic grammar/spelling skills. This test is administered at CAPCOG RTA by RTA staff on scheduled orientation days. Testing and Orientation days are scheduled for only one BPOC class posting at a time.

Candidates who possess the following criteria are exempt from taking the Academic Testing:
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college
• 2 or more years of active military service and a DD-214 (member 4 page) showing an honorable discharge

Age
TCLEOSE mandates that candidates must reach his or her 21st birthday by the end date of the BPOC class he or she is attending. There is no other age requirement.

Education
Candidates must have one of the following combinations of documented educational milestones completed:
• A High School Diploma, or
• A GED and 12 Semester Credits from an accredited college or university, or
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college, or
• 2 or more years of active military service. If a candidate has exited the military, the candidate must show a DD-214 (member 4 page) showing an Honorable discharge.

Military Status
Candidates who have 2 or more years of active military service and an Honorable discharge may forego the required academic testing. CAPCOG RTA is an approved Veteran's Administration school; qualified candidates may apply for their Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill benefits while attending the BPOC.

Physical Fitness
Candidates must be able to run for 2 miles and pass a Peace Officer Physical administered by a licensed Texas physician.

Psychological Fitness
Candidates must be able to pass a psychological exam called an MMPI administered by a licensed Texas psychologist or psychiatrist.

Criminal History
Candidates cannot have been convicted of the following:
• Class "B" Misdemeanor - within the past 10 years (e.g.: if you were adjudicated or convicted of a DWI three years ago, you must wait seven more years to enter the academy.)
• Class "A" Misdemeanor - during the candidate's lifetime.
• Felony - during the candidate's lifetime.

Costs
It is recommended that candidates refrain from purchasing equipment prior to being accepted into the BPOC program.
Approximate Costs to Attend the Academy