Texas launches Public License Lookup to enhance transparency, trust in law enforcement
AUSTIN – The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement has launched a new Public License Lookup tool, offering an online database for public access to peace officers, county jailers, and telecommunicator license statuses, employment histories, and training details.
This tool — established under Senate Bill 1445 by the 88th Texas Legislature — aims to enhance transparency and public trust by providing immediate information without needing a formal open records request.
"Transparency in government is a cornerstone of public trust," said TCOLE Executive Director Greg Stevens. "The Public License Lookup is an important way that TCOLE can support that transparency, and is directly in line with our mission to ensure that Texans are served by highly trained and ethical law enforcement personnel."
The Sunset Advisory Commission reviewed TCOLE during the 2020-2021 sunset review cycle. However, the corresponding bill, HB 1550, which aimed to continue TCOLE, did not pass. As a result, the legislature extended TCOLE for an additional two years and tasked the sunset commission with conducting a limited scope review of the agency during the 2022-2023 cycle.
Once again, the sunset commission found that the state's approach to law enforcement is not meeting the state's needs. It recommended extending TCOLE for 12 years and adopted several measures to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement regulation in Texas, including aligning TCOLE's statutes and procedures with best practices and enforcing minimum standards for law enforcement agencies.The commission also recommended that law enforcement agencies check a national database before hiring, among other things.
For access, visit the Public License Lookup HERE.