Frequently Asked Questions
Are school district officers "Real Cops"?
School District Police Officers are commissioned as "Peace Officers" by the Board of Trustees of their School District. The authority to commission police officers comes from the Texas Education Code under section 37.081. The Board of Trustees sets the jurisdiction and scope of duties for school district police.
School District police are authorized to enforce all laws and may arrest individuals found in violation of those laws. Additionally, officers may write citations for appropriate offenses that are covered by State law including offenses listed in the Texas Education Code. These citations are filed with the appropriate Justice of the Peace.
Who do school district officers work for?
School District Officers work for the district that commissions them. Under the Education Code of the State of Texas, school district police officers are supervised by the Chief of Police of the district. This matter is designated by law under 37.081 of the Texas Education Code. The Chief of the district answers to the Superintendent or his/her designee.What do school district officers do?
Officers of the district answer calls for service as well as provide other functions as needed. Some officers are assigned to a particular school. Others work in the patrol division and respond to various locations inside the district. Officers take a unique approach to working with children in the District. Not only do they perform the traditional enforcement role, they also are heavily involved in prevention, and education strategies of the District.