Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – In a major step forward for public safety and professional development in the Rio Grande Valley, the Edinburg Police Department has officially been approved to operate its own police academy, marking a new chapter in the department’s history of training excellence.
On May 20, 2025, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) granted full accreditation to the Edinburg Police Academy. This approval is the culmination of years of rigorous work, countless hours of preparation, and the unwavering vision of Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala and his leadership team.
Since 2017, the Edinburg Police Department has partnered with the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC) to offer the Basic Peace Officer Course (BPOC) at the LCPL Derek Hernandez Police Training Facility. Through this longstanding collaboration, Edinburg Police instructors have trained more than 90 of the department’s own officers and over 60 independent cadets, while also providing instructional personnel, equipment, and access to department facilities. The department acknowledges and appreciates the LRGVDC’s support and role in laying the groundwork for this successful training program.
With this new academy status, Edinburg now stands independently as a TCOLE-accredited Police Training Facility, eliminating the need to outsource training and giving the department full control over the quality, standards, and curriculum for its recruits.
“We believed it was time for Edinburg to take ownership of its future in law enforcement training,” said Chief Jaime Ayala. “This milestone means we can invest directly in the next generation of officers, ensuring they are not only prepared for the job—but trained with the values and professionalism that define our department. I’m incredibly proud of our team’s dedication in making this vision a reality.”
The inaugural Edinburg Police Academy class will begin in mid-July 2025. Cadets will train under Edinburg’s certified instructors at the department’s state-of-the-art facility. The move is expected to strengthen regional partnerships and set a new standard for law enforcement preparation in South Texas.
