Level III Classroom — Commissioned Security Officer (Armed)
This is the student classroom for the Level III commissioned officer course, built on the official Texas DPS Level III curriculum — all twelve modules below. Part 1, the theory modules, is completed online here. Part 2 — defensive tactics, handcuffing, intermediate weapons, and firearms — is taught in person, because Texas law (§1702.1675(g)) requires those skills face-to-face with a licensed instructor: skills sessions meet at our Mission, TX school, and firearms training and qualification are held at MLG Protection Services shooting range. Your PSP-30 certificate is issued only when both parts, the written exam, and the MMPI step are complete.
Your Progress
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Part 1 — Online Theory (Modules 1–8)
The course preparation checklist — the equipment and materials to have ready for your training sessions.
Online theory — lesson content unlocks at enrollment launchCourse overview, class schedule, and the completion and evaluation requirements for the Level III course.
Online theory — lesson content unlocks at enrollment launchThe statutes and administrative rules governing commissioned officers — licensing and pocket cards, firearms law, the penal code, and arrest authority.
Online theory — lesson content unlocks at enrollment launchVerbal de-escalation, radio communication, field note capture, and the elements of a professional written report.
Online theory — lesson content unlocks at enrollment launchDuties at a crime scene — evidence integrity, scene perimeters and access control, witnesses, and post-incident responsibilities.
Online theory — lesson content unlocks at enrollment launchAwareness levels and observation skills, hazardous situations, and cover and concealment.
Online theory — lesson content unlocks at enrollment launchThe legality of force, the use-of-force model, and the force response to resistance.
Online theory — lesson content unlocks at enrollment launchCommunication and the critical decision-making model — resolving conflict before it escalates.
Online theory — lesson content unlocks at enrollment launchPart 2 — In-Person Skills (Modules 9–11) — Mission, TX
Hands-on defensive tactics — stances, compliance techniques, strikes, joint locks and grounding, and weapon retention.
In-person skills at the Mission school — scheduled at enrollmentHands-on handcuffing — orientation and operation, application, and the standing and kneeling methods.
In-person skills at the Mission school — scheduled at enrollmentHands-on baton training — nomenclature, grips and stances, blocks, strikes, and retention techniques.
In-person skills at the Mission school — scheduled at enrollmentPart 3 — Firearms (Module 12) — MLG Protection Services Shooting Range
Firearm safety rules, proper handling, operation and maintenance of revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, and shotguns — and the handgun qualification, completed at MLG Protection Services shooting range.
At MLG Protection Services shooting range — scheduled after your theoryRequired Certification Steps
The official DPS Level III written examination, taken once your coursework is complete. DPS requires a score of 75% or better to pass.
Administered at course completionThe psychological evaluation DPS requires of every commissioned officer applicant (§1702.163(a)(5)). Arranged after your theory and skills are complete; results go to DPS.
Arranged at enrollmentYour Level III certificate is issued only after both the theory and the in-person skills are complete, and is signed by both your classroom instructor and your firearms instructor.
Issued on course completionEligibility — Read Before Enrolling
Under Texas law (HB 1508), a criminal history may make you ineligible for a security officer license, even after completing training. You have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the Texas DPS before enrolling. This course provides training and certification only — the license itself is issued solely by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Firearms Training & Qualification — MLG Protection Services Shooting Range
Module 12 — Firearms Handling and Safety — is completed in person. Your handgun proficiency training and your qualification are held at MLG Protection Services shooting range, taught and scored by Armando Garza, MLG’s owner and a Texas DPS-licensed Level III Firearms Instructor (he is also the school’s Level III Classroom Instructor).
The Qualification — DPS 50-Round Course of Fire
- 50 rounds on a standard B-27 target, fired from the 3-, 7-, 15-, and 25-yard lines — the DPS-approved course of fire for Level III training and qualification.
- 70% to qualify — a minimum score of 175 out of a possible 250 points, the standard set by DPS.
- Live ammunition only, fired from the holster under timed strings, including weapon-hand and support-hand stages and emergency reloads.
- Your range session is scheduled after your online theory is complete — session date, time, and what to bring are confirmed at enrollment. We schedule with the DPS clock in mind: your firearms proficiency must fall within 90 days of your application date.