Labor shortages are impacting industries nationwide and law enforcement is no exception. Law enforcement agencies are struggling to stay fully staffed leading to resources being stretched thin.

To help address this critical need, Lone Star College recently welcomed its second cohort into the LSC Law Enforcement Academy, a program that prepares students for the state licensing examination and engage in hands-on training to learn the skills applicable to police work.

“The Lone Star College Law Enforcement Academy reinforces our commitment to public safety,” said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC Chancellor. “We are proud to offer this important program to our community, and we applaud the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to ensure our safety.”

The Law Enforcement Academy began in 2021 and 10 cadets graduated in December 2022. They now work at various agencies, such as Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office, La Marque Police Department, Humble ISD Police Department, Montgomery County Pct. 3 Constable’s Office, Montgomery County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office and Tomball Police Department. The next cohort began Feb. 6.

“Lone Star College was honored to prepare these cadets and we look forward to being the training hub for future law enforcement officers who will perform an invaluable service for our communities,” said Art Murillo, LSC Board Trustee Vice Chair.

The LSC Law Enforcement Academy offers day full-time and evening part-time options that can train the next group of police officers in less than a year. Courses are available at LSC-East Aldine Center and upon completion, graduates become certified Texas peace officers.

“This academy consists of academic, physical fitness and training taught by prior and current law enforcement professionals that will graduate top quality officers to serve and protect our community,” said Glenn Riddle, LSC Law Enforcement Academy Director. “Also, we added more hours in de-escalation procedures.”

The LSC Law Enforcement Academy meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements. Cadets learn how to maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, state or federal laws for various law enforcement agencies, including educational institutions.

“I was a vocational pastor for 16 years, and although my calling shifted, I still wanted to help others,” said Johnny Willard, a new Tomball Police Officer and former Law Enforcement Academy class president. “Law enforcement will allow me to continue making a difference in the community and, hopefully, change people’s negative view of police officers by treating everyone with care and respect.”

Visit LoneStar.edu/Programs-Of-Study/Law-Enforcement-Academy to learn more.

Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2022 Great Colleges to Work For^® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education, ranked 35th in Texas in the Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers By State’ list and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work^® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas^™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.