TJC Police Department hosts training course for law enforcement officers | TJC

TJC Police Department hosts training course for law enforcement officers

The Tyler Junior College Police Department, with the assistance of The University of Texas System Police, recently hosted a basic patrol rifle operator course for law enforcement officers.

Twelve officers from TJC, UT Tyler, UT Dallas, and UT Health Science Center at Tyler participated in the course, in which they learned the basic operation of the rifle, participated in various drills to improve their proficiency, and learned how to properly clean and maintain their rifles.
 
The course was taught by five instructors: Inspector Charlie Patnode with The University of Texas System Police, Sgt. Merritt Minkel with TJC Police, Officer Michael Marcano with UT Tyler, Officer Percy Purcell with TJC, and Officer Mark Pierce with TJC.
 
TJC Police Chief Michael Seale said, “The officers who participated in the course will not only be better able to protect their communities they serve by having the training, they will be able to communicate better and function as a team should their respective departments request assistance from the agencies represented.”

TJC to develop baccalaureate degree program in public safety
In November, the TJC Board of Trustees took official action to develop a Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) in public safety.
 
TJC has been working in close partnership with city, county and state leaders to produce public safety programs of the highest quality.

As an example, TJC’s Law Enforcement Academy graduates consistently have the highest scores statewide on licensing exams and other measures. It is also recognized as one of the finest in the state. Its graduates consistently achieve a 100-percent passing rate on their state licensing exams on the first attempt, and agencies across the region choose TJC’s academies over others.
 
TJC has in place other strong first responder programs including its Fire Science Academy as well as Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic, all of which lead to gainful employment upon completion of the programs of study.
 
TJC Board of Trustees President Mike Coker said, “There has been strong interest from leaders and governmental units in our region for this program. As our community’s college, we are expected to help meet the growing needs for advanced skills including these critical public safety programs.”

Coker continued, “Applied baccalaureate degrees are targeted to meet the needs of our local workforce, while complementing the work that is being provided by universities and health science centers. TJC will ensure that the programs offered are of an applied nature, skills based, and technologically infused to meet documented needs in public safety. TJC’s applied baccalaureate degrees are technology- and equipment- intensive and rely on laboratories and specialized classrooms that our local first responders want and need in order to keep us all safe.”
 
TJC’s first baccalaureate degree program, a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene, began in August 2016. Its second, a Bachelor of Applied Technology in healthcare technology and medical systems, began in January 2019.
 

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