TCOLE Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Master Texas Law Enforcement Certification

The qualification of who is considered a legally designated peace officer under Article 2.12 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure is crucial to understanding the roles and responsibilities of various law enforcement personnel. Article 2.12 delineates specific categories of individuals who may be designated as peace officers in Texas.

An officer of a water-control district is listed under Article 2.12, indicating that these individuals have the authority granted to them which allows them to perform law enforcement duties within their jurisdiction. This is significant as it highlights the scope of authority that extends beyond traditional law enforcement agencies to include specialized officers in various districts, ensuring that they can enforce the law relevant to their specific functions.

The other choices, such as private security guards and parking enforcement officers, do not qualify as peace officers under Article 2.12 because they typically do not have the same legal authority or responsibilities as those explicitly laid out in the article. Dispatchers also do not fit the criteria, as they serve critical support roles in law enforcement rather than actively enforcing the law themselves. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the legal framework governing peace officers in Texas and the specific authority held by individuals in various roles within the state's law enforcement system.