Newly Elected Constables (NEC)

The Newly Elected Constables (NEC) program is a state-mandated course designed for all elected or appointed constables within their first two years in office. Its purpose is to foster a comprehensive understanding of the roles, duties, and responsibilities associated with this distinctive law enforcement position. The program provides instruction on key operational areas such as civil process, warrant execution, bailiff duties, patrol, investigations, and courtroom security. In addition, it offers leadership, management, and networking opportunities to help constables establish and maintain effective, professional agencies. Core topics include defining the role of a constable, office management, TCOLE/TCLEDDS procedures, relationship building, basic courtroom security, and leadership development—all aimed at promoting ethical, informed, and capable public service.

Topics Covered / Course Objectives

  • What is your role as a Constable?
  • Office Management
  • TCOLE/TCLEDDS
  • Building & Developing Relationships
  • Basic Courtroom Security
  • Becoming the Best Leader

Who Should Attend / Admission Requirements

  • Newly elected Constable
  • Newly appointed Constables
  • Upper management in the Constable's Office (fee $295)
  • Sheriffs or deputies fulfilling some of the duties of the Constable's Office (fee $295)

Course Length

Newly Elected Constables (NEC) is a five-day course.

Course Hours

Participants receive 40 hours of TCOLE (3742) credit.

Course Cost / Fee Policy

Newly Elected Constables (NEC) is provided to Constables statewide at no cost. Thanks to a partner-led initiative made possible with help from the Texas Police Chief Association. LEMIT was granted legislative funding allowing us to remove registration fees and hotel accommodation cost to the participant. Lunch will be provided Monday through Thursday.

*If you are not a current or elected/appointed Constable, you will pay a fee of $295 and cover all hotel and travel expenses.

**Any program make up hours will not be covered by LEMIT and will be at the participant's expense.

The following expenses will NOT be covered by LEMIT

  • Mileage
  • Parking
  • Hotel Incidentals
  • Hotel Wifi
  • Room Service
  • Breakfast & Dinner
.

Registration Process

Registration is 100% online. Please visit the Register Online link located on the Upcoming Events table below or the LEMIT Calendar page to register. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address indicated on the form within two weeks of registration.

Cancellation / No-Show Policy

If your plans change and you need to cancel, please contact us immediately to avoid cancellation or “no show” fees. The department in which you registered under will be billed a $325 fee for failure to cancel 14 days prior to the course start date. It is the responsibility of the participant to cancel reservations made with the host hotel.

Course Contact

Renee Johnson, Coordinator - Constables, CSLS
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas
George J. Beto Criminal Justice Building
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2417
Fax: (936) 294-3926
Phone: (936) 294-3177
Phone: 800-477-9248
lemitconstables@shsu.edu

Upcoming Events

* Additional fees may apply

StatusDateTitleLocationRegistrationFee
OPENFeb 09 - 13, 2026Newly Elected Constables (NEC) Huntsville, TX Register Online No Charge *
OPENFeb 08 - 12, 2027Newly Elected Constables (NEC) Huntsville, TXComing SoonNo Charge *
OPENFeb 28 - Mar 03, 2028Newly Elected Constables (NEC) Huntsville, TXComing SoonNo Charge *
OPENFeb 26 - Mar 02, 2029Newly Elected Constables (NEC) Huntsville, TXComing SoonNo Charge *

* Additional fees may apply

Schedule for the Week:
Class begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; Friday class begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at noon. The program involves working lunches (lunch is provided).

Dress for the Week:
Business casual is the dress for the week. Clothing should be professional, and no caps/hats or shorts are permitted. It is always recommended to bring a light jacket in case the training room is cold.

Firearms:
If you choose to wear your duty weapon you may do so in full uniform or in plain clothes with your badge fully displayed. Individuals who are 21 years of age and who currently possess a handgun license from the State of Texas or an approved reciprocating state may legally carry a concealed handgun on or about their person. Handguns may be carried on campus, except at collegiate and UIL athletic events, health and counseling centers, and other specified locations on campus. Signs will clearly identify prohibited sites around campus.

Tobacco Products:
In order to promote a healthy, safe, and aesthetically pleasing work and educational environment, Sam Houston State University endorses a smoke free and tobacco free environment. Tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco) is not permitted on campus grounds. Electronic cigarettes/vaping products are also prohibited.

LEMIT Building and Parking:

The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas is located at 1600 Bobby K. Marks Dr., Huntsville, Texas, at the corner of Bobby K. Marks and Bearkat Boulevard on the campus of Sam Houston State University. It also is located right next door to the University Hotel.

  • ALL vehicles must be registered to park on the SHSU campus. This includes marked agency vehicles.
  • Prior to your class, you will receive information on how to register your vehicle and where to park.
  • For visitors and guests, there are pay-by-hour spaces along Bobby K. Marks Street and Bearkat Boulevard; however, these are managed through the City of Huntsville system and are not part of the University permits. Follow instructions listed on street signs for payment options and be sure to select "Huntsville" when asked to select a location. For more information on the City of Huntsville system, visit Huntsville Paid Parking.
  • Parking is also available for visitors in the Sam Houston Parking Garage, located at 1730 Avenue I, within walking distance to LEMIT. The parking garage contains approximately 250 hourly use parking spaces. Visitors should not park in the parking spaces that are numbered; the numbered spaces are reserved for Garage Permit Holders only. For directions to the SHSU Parking Garage, please click here.