Galveston County has a new law enforcement academy after Commissioners Court voted Tuesday, Sept. 29, to formalize a partnership with College of the Mainland.

The Galveston County Law Enforcement Academy will train cadets who graduate with college credit and a Texas Peace Officer License, according to Galveston County's announcement. The Galveston County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) will lead the program alongside COM.

For League City and other Galveston County communities, the academy creates a local pipeline for recruiting and training peace officers. Cadets will train at COM's Public Safety Careers Building at 7733 Monticello Drive in Texas City, which opened Sept. 10.

That facility includes a 50-yard indoor firing range, a climbing tower and EMS simulation rooms, according to a COM press release. The firing range will also serve as a regional training resource for local law enforcement agencies.

The county described the academy as a TCOLE-licensed program. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) certifies peace officer training programs statewide. The county's announcement did not specify whether the academy has already received its license or is still in the process.

Galveston County said the academy will provide instruction from law enforcement professionals across the region, giving cadets real-world experience alongside their classroom work. The county called the partnership a "tremendous benefit to law enforcement agencies across Galveston County."

In a Sept. 1 press release ahead of the building's grand opening, COM President Helen Brewer said the facility "reflects our commitment to providing students with exceptional learning opportunities that prepare them for meaningful careers serving others."

The county has not announced a start date. Residents interested in the program can contact the Galveston County Sheriff's Office or College of the Mainland for updates.