2022 Liberty Co. law enforcement training course was 'fundamentally inadequate,' state agency says
LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas -- The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement has canceled the peace officer license for 19 Liberty County academy graduates, impacting multiple agencies.
It revokes the licenses for 19 graduates of a 2022 academy class run by the Liberty County Sheriff's Office under an agreement with the College of the Mainland.
In a letter dated March 22, 2024, from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) - the agency that governs police licenses, investigators found the 10-month course "fundamentally inadequate," and as a result, wrote, "This will require the cancellation of all peace officer licenses issued to the students."
TCOLE alleges that after an investigation, it found "the Academy's failures were serious and systemic" and included giving students credit for "repainting a World War II anti-tank gun at the Liberty County Courthouse."
Liberty County Precinct 6 Constable Zack Harkness said two of his six deputies are from that 2022 Liberty County class. He hasn't seen the letter yet but is exploring legal guidance because he believes his deputies are qualified. Both passed the state exam at the conclusion of the academy.
"Very surprising, very shocking," he told ABC13. "Since their graduation almost two years ago, both deputies have gotten over 350 hours each of additional TCOLE-approved training in various subjects."
Liberty County ran the course under a memorandum of understanding with the College of the Mainland, which is licensed to oversee peace officer training.
A college spokesperson said that the agreement no longer exists, and they are in close communication with TCOLE about its concerns.
Among those copied on the letter from TCOLE is Ann Marie Mitchell, the training coordinator for the Liberty County Sheriff's Office. On the social media site LinkedIn, she wrote, "every Peace Officer, Dispatcher, and Corrections Officers should be given the training they need to safely perform their duties in the most professional manner. My duty is to provide that training."
The sheriff's office told Eyewitness News to expect a statement but, as of late Tuesday, had not provided one. Harkness said his biggest concern right now is supporting his deputies.
"They have a very deep, vested interest in this community," he said. "They serve with a heart, and they're very vested in the well-being of the community."
1 comment:
Liberty County. Enough said. (USA)
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