Texas Border Business
By Selene Rodriguez
South Texas College is expanding law enforcement training opportunities in Rio Grande City with the upcoming launch of a Police Academy at its Starr County campus.
Set to start this summer, STC’s Police Academy is a comprehensive 26-week program that trains aspiring peace officers with firearms and defensive skills and criminal and traffic law knowledge needed to serve and protect the community.
“We are thrilled with the growth and expansion of our law enforcement program to the Starr County area, giving students the opportunity to receive their training right at home,” said STC Dean of Business, Public Safety, and Technology, Sara Lozano, Ed.D. “By investing in Starr County residents, we are not only strengthening our community but also ensuring accessible training for future police officers.”
Last summer, STC was granted a Training Academy license by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) after successfully meeting rigorous standards in curriculum, facilities, and instructors. The process included an assessment of classroom settings, equipment and overall readiness to train recruits.
Established in 2012 through a partnership with the city of Pharr, STC’s Police Academy has graduated hundreds of police officers over the years who now serve across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. With its new independent license, the college has begun expanding its training services, starting last year at STC’s Mid-Valley campus, which successfully graduated its first academy class last month and now to Rio Grande City.
“Bringing these opportunities to Starr County is a significant milestone because it eliminates a long commute for students, which could be more than an hour each way,” said Victor Valdez, STC Public Safety Programs department chair. “We’ve had several students who wanted to pursue this, but didn’t have the means to drive to Pharr, so we’re excited to remove that barrier.”
He shared that while students will complete most of their studies at the Starr County campus, they will also experience high-tech training with the innovative technology housed at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr, which includes a state-of-the-art shooting simulator, driving simulator and virtual reality immersive training.
“One of the most impactful aspects of this initiative is that their instructors will be from Starr County agencies, with many of our long-standing law enforcement partners actively involved in their training, providing students with firsthand experience of what their future careers will be like,” he added. “This is a close-knit community that truly cares for each other, so I’m confident many will seize this opportunity.”
STC Starr County Campus Administrator Arturo Montiel, Ph.D., shared this sentiment, noting that short-term workforce opportunities like this one are highly beneficial for the community.
“It’s been a long time coming. This is not just an academic goal, it’s a vital credential that will help students enter the workforce and make an immediate impact,” he said. “This is more than a degree. It’s a life mission and we’re thrilled to finally bring this opportunity to the Starr County area. This is going to be a game-changer.”
Currently, STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence offers two full-time daytime academies per year, along with a part-time evening program, in addition to a full-time academy in Weslaco. Requirements to join the program include a comprehensive application process and agility test.
Starting January 22, a Compliance Specialist will be available every Wednesday at the Starr County campus to assist anyone interested in joining.
For more information, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/law-enforcement or call 956-872-4208.
