The field of law enforcement/criminal justice presents a challenging field of study for people interested in  public service. The ever increasing problem of crime, as well as continued population growth provides many opportunities to those who have prepared themselves through education and training. This program offers students the opportunity to attend an approved Texas peace officer academy and meet the requirements of licensure to be a Texas law enforcement officer. At the same time students are awarded college credit for completion of the program. The Odessa College Law Enforcement Academy is 22 credit hours, and takes approximately five months to complete. Classes meet eight hours a day Monday through Friday (Defensive Driving and Firearms training may require occasional weekend or night classes). For students who work, we provide a night academy meeting from 6-10 p.m., and requires approximately ten months to complete.

Upon graduation, all academy students will be eligible to sit for the state licensure examination administered through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE).