The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement has proposed requiring reserve law enforcement officers, part-time officers and public security officers to complete the state’s benchmark active-shooter training, expanding a requirement adopted after the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde.
The proposed amendment to Rule 218.3 would require individuals licensed as reserve law enforcement officers or public security officers to complete Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, or ALERRT, continuing education during each four-year training cycle. They also would be required to complete ALERRT Level 1 by Aug. 31, 2029. Supervisors would be required to complete an advanced incident response and command course during each two-year training cycle.
The proposal would extend a training standard that has largely focused on full-time peace officers to reserve and part-time personnel, who hold the same arrest powers as full-time officers and often serve in patrol assignments, courthouses, schools and other public settings.
TCOLE said the rule change implements Senate Bill 1852, passed during the 2023 legislative session, and House Bill 33, the 2025 Uvalde Strong Act, which added Section 1701.3526 to the Texas Occupations Code and expanded active-shooter response training requirements.
ALERRT was established in 2002 at Texas State University and was designated by the FBI in 2013 as the national standard for active-shooter response training. Following the May 24, 2022, shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, ALERRT also authored the state’s after-action report examining law enforcement’s response to the attack.
Texas has expanded active-shooter training requirements for licensed peace officers in phases since the Uvalde shooting. Reserve officers, although frequently serving as unpaid volunteers, must meet the same licensing standards as full-time peace officers. Some agencies maintain large reserve divisions, including the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, which describes its reserve command as the largest in Texas.
TCOLE published the proposed amendment in May for public comment. The commission is expected to consider final adoption at a future quarterly meeting.
If approved, reserve law enforcement officers and public security officers would have until Aug. 31, 2029, to complete ALERRT Level 1 training to remain in compliance with state licensing requirements.