The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE or the Commission) regulates law enforcement personnel, police officers, corrections officers, and public security officers in Texas. TCOLE investigates certain complaints made against Texas law enforcement officers and has the authority to revoke or suspend officer licenses.
At its June 2019 Commission Meeting, TCOLE issued numerous license actions against Texas law enforcement officers, including:
- 23 permanent surrenders
- 4 statutory revocations
- 10 default suspension orders
- 2 reprimands for administrative violations
Authority to Investigate Complaints
The Commission has the authority to investigate complaints against law enforcement officers for: an alleged violation of a law or rule relates to licensing, certification or appointment, when a licensed officer is facing criminal charges or other legal consequences for a criminal offense classified as a Class C misdemeanor or above, and when an alleged issue involves fraudulent or substandard training by a person, training provider, or law enforcement academy.
The Commission does not have the authority to investigates complaints alleging instances of rudeness, unprofessional conduct, or improper investigations.
Who May File A Complaint
Complaints against an individual, agency, or training provider regulated by TCOLE may be filed by anyone.
If the Commission has jurisdiction over the complaint and the preliminary investigation yields sufficient information to indicate that a violation of TCOLE’s rules or another applicable law has occurred, then an administrative or criminal case will be opened by the Commission’s Enforcement Division.
Defending Against A Complaint
If your law enforcement license is threatened by a complaint lodged against you, it is imperative that you take immediate action to protect your license. You have the right to defend yourself and the right to an attorney.
The attorneys of BERTOLINO LLP have the experience and legal knowledge needed to help Texas police officers take aggressive action to protect their licenses. We are prepared to represent you at every stage of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement complaint resolution process. We will get to know you and your case, thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegation(s), and help you mount a strong defense to protect your license and your career.
The Austin, Houston, and San Antonio law enforcement license defense attorneys at BERTOLINO LLP are proud to serve those who serve and protect Texans.
We are standing by to help Texan law enforcement officers. Thank you for your service to our state. Contact us or call (512) 476-5757 and schedule a case evaluation.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
