The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) has unveiled a new online license lookup tool that allows the general public to check the status of current and former licensed Texas peace officers, jailers, or telecommunications. Previously, accessing this information required an official request under the Texas Public Information Act.
This new tool, as reported by KXAN, now allows users to easily check police officer licenses like most other licensed professions in the state via a simple online lookup. Registration is required to use the tool, which can be accessed through a link provided.
The database includes information such as license issue dates, training records, training compliance, and educational background. However, TCOLE emphasizes that no private or personal identifying information is available, and the records of undercover officers are not included in the database.
The creation of this public database was included in TCOLE’s sunset bill, Senate Bill 1445, which was sponsored by Sen. Angela Paxton, and was passed last year. This new tool aims to increase transparency and accountability within the law enforcement community by allowing the public to easily access important information about licensed peace officers.
For more information, the full report from KXAN, the NBC station in Austin, can be accessed through a provided link.
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