TCOLE File Instruction Page
KEEP TCOLE FILE IN A SEPARATE FOLDER FROM ALL OTHER PERSONNEL FILE DOCUMENTS.
Each Peace Officer, County Jailer and Telecommunicator must have a TCOLE file. The file is a background investigation tool and MUST BE CREATED DURING THE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION. The file MUST be complete BEFORE YOU OFFER SOMEONE A JOB. DO NOT SIGN THE L-1 FORM APPOINTING SOMEONE TO YOUR AGENCY BEFORE THIS FILE IS COMPLETE. (If you sign the L1 form before the file is complete, you will be falsifying a government document!) The L-1 form is the last step in the file process. When you begin the process, always print fresh copies of the audit checklist, L2 form, L3 form and Personal History Statement (PHS) from the “forms and applications” page of the TCOLE website. (tcole.texas.gov)
USE THE AUDIT CHECKLIST AS YOUR GUIDE. There are three (3) categories of files:
1)New Licensee. Recent academy graduate. Your agency is their first appointment / job with the new license type.
2)Already Licensed, has experience with an agency and has LESS THAN 180 days break in service from their previous agency.
3)Already Licensed, has experience with an agency and has MORE THAN 180 days break in service from their previous agency. (This file requires a new L2-drug test, new L3- psych exam and new DPS fingerprint check/return)
For New Licensees, you may use the L2 and L3 forms from their academy provided their appointment date to your agency is not more than 180 days from the graduation date. You may NOT use fingerprint returns from the academy. You must generate a new fingerprint return using your agency ORI number and DPS FAST or FACT account. Call DPS at 512-424-2365, ext. 6 for info.
New Licensees are required to have a full medical exam including drug test, except telecommunicators, who only need a drug test. Make sure the appropriate boxes are checked on the L2 form! Already licenses persons with more than 180 days break in service also need a drug test only. *DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING BLANK ON THE L2 AND L3 FORMS. MAKE SURE THE MEDICAL AND PSYCH OFFICES PROPERLY COMPLETE THE ENTIRE FORM!
Military discharge must be HONORABLE or General under Honorable (good conduct) conditions.
*Absolutely nothing goes in the TCOLE file except audit checklist documents.
*KEEP TCOLE FILE IN A SEPARATE FOLDER FROM ALL OTHER PERSONNEL FILE DOCUMENTS.