Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office and HCC Partner to Provide College Credit for Law Enforcement Training
In a groundbreaking step to modernize law enforcement education, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO) has partnered with Houston Community College (HCC) to provide college credit for police academy training—blending real-world readiness with academic advancement.
Beginning May 13, 2025, cadets enrolled in Class #49 at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy became dual enrollees with HCC, earning 24 college credit hours toward an Associate’s degree upon completing the Basic Peace Officer Course. The agreement, approved by the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, reflects a shared commitment to fostering critical thinking, ethical policing, and community trust.
Elevating Standards Through Education
Sheriff Eric Fagan emphasized the broader mission behind the initiative: “This alliance helps us elevate the professionalism of our agency and better serve the public. By investing in education, we’re preparing individuals who not only uphold the law but also understand the importance of empathy, communication, and adaptability.”
The partnership was conceived during a strategic meeting on February 14, 2025, between Sheriff Fagan and HCC leadership, including Dr. Michael Webster (President, HCC Southwest), Dr. Alvin Collins (Dean of the Public Safety Center of Excellence), and Dr. Helen Graham (HCC Professor). Their collaboration aims to produce a more educated, capable, and community-centered police force.
Dr. Betty Fortune, Interim President of HCC Northeast College, noted the larger impact of the effort: “This partnership between Houston Community College and the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office establishes a crucial pipeline for training qualified police officers, addressing the pressing issue of crime in our community.”
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An Educational Partnership with Deep Community Roots
The initiative aligns closely with the mission of HCC—one of the nation’s largest open-admission community colleges. With 14 Centers of Excellence and a range of associate degree, certificate, and workforce training programs, HCC prepares students across Greater Houston for careers in an increasingly global and tech-driven society. The institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ensuring the quality and transferability of the college credits awarded to cadets.
“HCC stands in partnership with Fort Bend County and the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office to provide the critical training these professionals need to serve our local residents,” added Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. “This aligns perfectly with our mission as a community college. We look forward to hosting these cadets at our Northeast College.”
Dr. Alvin Collins reaffirmed HCC’s ongoing commitment: “The signing of this agreement reaffirms our steadfast commitment to the education and training of peace officers in Fort Bend County and the surrounding area.”
A Legacy of Public Safety and Growth
Founded in 1837, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is the largest and most diverse law enforcement agency in the county. With over 900 employees—including 615 sworn peace officers and 22 reserve deputies—the agency serves nearly 900,000 residents across 21 unincorporated communities in one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States.
This educational initiative also positions the Sheriff’s Office for future expansion. With the new Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Complex set to open later this year, plans are underway to offer even more undergraduate and graduate degree opportunities for law enforcement officers and regional partners.
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A Model for the Future of Policing
This innovative partnership between HCC and FBCSO offers more than just college credit—it serves as a model for how academic institutions and public safety agencies can collaboratively shape a smarter, safer, and more community-connected future for law enforcement in Texas and beyond.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
