Police Academy

Police academy

Have you ever dreamed of serving and protecting your community as a police officer? Our Police Academy is an intensive program designed to prepare you for a career in law enforcement. From classroom instruction to firearms training, our program covers all the aspects of policing you’ll need to be successful in the field. 

Program Details

Learn more about our Police Academy program and find course descriptions in the WCJC Catalog.

WCJC operates a licensed police academy certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Our Police Academy offers daytime classes on the Wharton Campus from Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm. Evening classes are held on our Richmond Campus Monday to Friday 6 - 10pm. You must register for all courses as a semester block; courses may not be taken individually. 

After you complete the required training, you are eligible to take the state licensing examination to become a licensed peace officer in the state of Texas. You can also find jobs as: 

  • City Police Officer
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Deputy Constable
  • ISD / University Police Officer

Find more information, including wages and education requirements, on Career Coach!

Program Requirements

Our Police Academy program requires that you complete a program application and purchase instructional supplies, tests, and materials specific to the program.

There are a number of requirements you must meet to be accepted into the police academy. Learn more about the qualifications and complete the program application to apply today!

Tuition

  • In-District: $3,662 (based on 24 semester credit hours)
  • Out-of-District: $5,126 (based on 24 semester credit hours)
Note: In-District rates apply to residents of Wharton County or Needville ISD, while Out-of-District rates apply to residents not meeting the requirements of an In-District resident

Program Fees

  • Psychological Exam: $160
  • FAST Fingerprints: $42
  • Physical Examination/drug screen: $90
  • Uniforms: $200
  • Duty Gear: $250
  • Books/Supplies: $250

Note: Prices are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Meet the Faculty

Have questions about WCJC’s Police Academy? Reach out to one of our faculty members. The Academy also has part-time staff comprised of law enforcement officers used as subject matter experts for topics within the program.

Tim Guin

Police Academy Director/Law Enforcement Instructor
Mr. Guin has been involved in Law Enforcement for over 40 years, serving as a Police Chief for 21 years. He was selected to attend and graduated from the National FBI Academy in 2003. He received an Associate of Arts degree in 1998 and after retiring, has been a full-time educator for 9 years.

Mr. Guin is currently a Licensed Peace Officer in Texas. He holds a Master Peace Officer certificate and an Advanced Instructor proficiency certification. Mr. Guin is a Training Coordinator through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Mr. Guin currently is an instructor with the Wharton County Junior College Law Enforcement Academy and serves as the Program Director.

Office: Wharton Campus, LaDieu Technology Center, 115A
Phone: 979-532-6575
Email: guint@wcjc.edu 

Grady Smith

Law Enforcement Instructor
Mr. Smith has been involved in Law Enforcement for over 25 years, serving as a Sergeant for 15 years. He received an Associate of Applied Science degree in 1994 and after retiring, has been a full-time educator for 8 years. 

Mr. Smith is currently a Licensed Peace Officer in Texas. He holds a Master Peace Officer Certificate and an Advanced Instructor proficiency certification.  Mr. Smith currently is an instructor with the Wharton County Junior College Law Enforcement Academy.

Office: Wharton Campus, LaDieu Technology Center, 113D
Phone: 979-532-6328
Email: smithg@wcjc.edu 

FAQs

Yes, to qualified students and veterans. To learn more, please contact the WCJC Financial Aid Office at 1-800-561-9252 x6345. 

  • Day Classes: An academy class is offered twice a year, January through June, and July through December.  Classes are held at the Wharton campus, 8am-5pm Monday thru Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends.
  • Evening Classes: An academy is offered once a year, August through June.  Classes are held at the Richmond campus, 6pm-10pm Monday thru Friday, with occasional weekends.

None. You are expected to attend all sessions of the Academy but are allowed a given number of absences and tardies.

Yes. The Academy is the first step. The second step is the licensing exam (TCOLE). After passing the licensing exam, you are eligible to be employed as a Texas peace officer.

Yes, however the Academy does not provide job placement but will host recruiting sessions for numerous area law enforcement agencies.

None.  The Police Academy supplies all weapons and ammunition required for training.  

You will receive a list of required supplies, including uniforms, duty gear, and note-taking materials (See academy packet for details and equipment list).

You may pay with cash, credit card, check, or money order. You may also sign up for installment plans with the WCJC Business Office.

Tuition/fees must be paid at the time of registration.

Applicants must be 21 years of age to enter the Police Academy.  

Yes. The academy class follows the college holiday schedule. You will receive a class calendar on the first day of the Academy.

You may contact the Police Academy office at 1-800-561-9252 x6575. You may also contact the Vocational Science Division Secretary at 1-800-561-9252 x6554.

Additional Program Information

  • Colin Davidson, Fort Bend Co District Attorney's Office, Richmond TX
     
  • Lewis Fortenberry, Star Parts, Wharton TX
     
  • Raymond Harrison Jr., Harrison Real Estate Co, Wharton TX
     
  • William Loocke, Retired, Wharton TX
     
  • Terry Lynch, Chief-Wharton Police Department, Wharton TX
     
  • Roxanne Marek, Retired Adult Probation, El Campo TX
     
  • Steve May, Retired ISD, Rosenberg TX
     
  • Arthur Ruiz, Kandha Consulting, East Bernard TX
     
  • Stephanie Schulz, Shoppa's, El Campo TX
     
  • Jimmy Surratt, Sergeant-Sugar Land Police Department, Wharton TX