Tex. Occ. Code § 1701.163

Current with legislation from the 2023 Regular and Special Sessions signed by the Governor as of November 21, 2023.
Section 1701.163 - Minimum Standards For Law Enforcement Agencies

The commission, with input from an advisory committee, shall by rule establish minimum standards with respect to the creation or continued operation of a law enforcement agency based on the function, size, and jurisdiction of the agency, including :

(1) a determination regarding the public benefit of creating the agency in the community;
(2) the sustainable funding sources for the agency ;
(3) the physical resources available to officers, including:
(A) all standard duty firearms;
(B) less lethal force weapons, including a requirement of at least one per officer on duty;
(C) effective communications equipment;
(D) protective equipment, including a requirement of at least one bullet-resistant vest per officer on duty;
(E) officer uniforms; and
(F) patrol vehicles and associated equipment;
(4) the physical facilities of the agency , including any evidence room, dispatch area, or public area;
(5) the policies of the agency , including policies on:
(A) use of force;
(B) vehicle pursuit;
(C) professional conduct of officers;
(D) domestic abuse protocols;
(E) response to missing persons;
(F) supervision of part-time officers;
(G) impartial policing;
(H) active shooters; and
(I) barricaded subjects;
(6) the administrative structure of the agency ;
(7) liability insurance; and
(8) any other standard the commission considers necessary .

Tex. Occ. Code § 1701.163

Amended by Acts 2023, Texas Acts of the 88th Leg.- Regular Session, ch. 1104,Sec. 5, eff. 9/1/2023.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1172, Sec. 7, eff. 9/1/2009.