TCOLE 40-hour Court Security Specialist Course

---

March 23 – 27, 2026 

Hosted by SMU Police Department

6300 N. Central Expressway, 2nd Floor

Dallas, Texas 75205

April 13–17, 2026

Hosted by South Plains Association of Governments Law Enforcement Academy

SPAG Law Enforcement Academy Classroom  

6811 Indiana Ave. Suite B. Lubbock, Texas, 79413

Course Fee: $400 plus $150 SPAG hosting fee

The 40-hour TCOLE Court Security Specialist Course is a specialized, intensive training program approved by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) that prepares law enforcement officers and designated court security personnel to manage and secure courthouse environments — not just sit at a metal detector. The goal is to develop the skills needed to protect judges, jurors, court staff, defendants, and the public from real threats. 

This course is for:

· Court security officers

· Judicial security staff

· Law enforcement personnel assigned to courthouse duties

It builds on basic court security training (like the 8-hour Court Security Officer Course) and goes deeper into specialist skills. 

Completing this 40-hour program can qualify participants for the TCOLE *Court Security Specialist

The training satisfies the state legislative mandates Senate Bill 42, (The Judge Julie Kocurek Judicial and Courthouse Security Act), which require courts to have properly trained security personnel. 

If you’re a law enforcement officer or official charged with courthouse security in Texas and you want to go beyond “general duties” — learning threat response, security tech, screening management, and courtroom safety operations. This 40-hour TCOLE-approved course is the recognized training path to become a Court Security Specialist.

Course Instructor:  

Paul Urias served as a Courthouse Security Sergeant and District Court Bailiff for more than 16 years, accumulating over 27 years of law enforcement experience with the Midland County Sheriff's Office. He holds certifications as Master Peace Officer, Court Security Specialist, TCOLE Firearms Instructor, and License to Carry a Handgun Instructor. Over a decade ago, Paul founded his training company, Guardian Training Agency, and has been working as a full-time instructor since his retirement from law enforcement.