Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (Commission) strives to meet its mission of ensuring a Texas where people are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement and corrections personnel through screening, developing, monitoring resources, and setting standards.
TCOLE History
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (Commission) is a state agency created by an act of the 59th Legislature. Senate Bill (SB) 236, which became effective on August 30, 1965, did not appropriate any funds for the operations of the Commission. Original funding was provided from private foundations and federal grants. This act provided for a voluntary program to improve law enforcement proficiency. In 1967, the 60th Legislature included the Commission in the Appropriations Act and funded an executive director and three staff members. Since then, the Commission has grown in staff and responsibilities.
The Sunset Commission, in 2008-2009, reviewed the Commission, and House Bill (HB) 3389 was passed in the 81st Legislature to continue the Commission until 2021.
Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program
President George W. Bush created USA Freedom Corps (USAFC) to build on the countless acts of service, sacrifice, and generosity that followed September 11. When he announced USAFC in his 2002 State of the Union address, he called on all Americans to serve a cause greater than themselves.
Citizen Corps was created to help coordinate volunteer activities to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures to make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds.
Citizen Corps partner programs build on the successful efforts in place in many communities around the country to prevent crime and respond to emergencies. Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) is one of five Citizen Corps partner programs. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) manages and implements the VIPS Program in partnership with, and on behalf of, the White House Office of the USA Freedom Corps and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
VIPS Goals and Objectives
The VIPS Program provides support and resources for agencies interested in developing or enhancing a volunteer program and for citizens who wish to volunteer their time and skills with a community law enforcement agency. The program’s ultimate goal is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers.
How to Get Involved With VIPS
For a law enforcement agency to register as a VIPS program, volunteers must work directly within the agency through an in-house volunteer program or with an organization operating in concert with a law enforcement agency, such as a citizens’ police academy alumni association or a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), to place volunteers. Registration can be completed online.
