1. (a) Limits on Topics.

   1. (1) Repetitive Training. Credit shall not be allowed for training that is duplicative in nature unless the training is required to maintain certification, such as for CPR or First Aid, or is required to maintain an understanding of the officer's job duties and responsibilities. Topics listed in §344.620 of this chapter are exempt from this limitation.
   2. (2) Review of Policy and Procedure. Credit for policy and procedure review shall be allowed when documentation reflects that the review was part of a structured training event.
   3. (3) Human Resources Training. Training on employment related benefits and plans shall not be accepted for certification purposes unless the officer is a supervisor and the training relates to supervisory duties or the training is being provided as part of a formal leadership development program.

2. (b) Limitations on Training Methods. The limits in this subchapter apply to continuing education credits earned in a given 24 month period.

   1. (1) Correspondence Courses. A maximum of 40 hours of continuing education credit may be earned for the successful completion of correspondence courses provided by recognized criminal justice organizations or accredited colleges or universities. Correspondence courses may not be used to meet the requirement for training in the mandatory training topics.
   2. (2) Video-Conferencing and Web-Based Training. Credit for a combined total of 40 hours of video conferencing and web-based training methods may be applied toward certification and continuing education requirements.
   3. (3) Video Training. A maximum of 20 hours of video training that is part of a structured training program may be applied to certification or continuing education requirements.
   4. (4) Training Hours for Curriculum Development. A maximum of 10 hours of credit in a given continuing education period may be allowed for the development of training curriculum.
   5. (5) Training Providers. Training providers may claim actual training time up to a maximum of 10 hours for the provision of training. The credit under this section is allowed only for the provision of training in topics listed in §344.620 of this chapter.
   6. (6) Meetings/Staff Meetings. Meetings shall not be considered a training activity unless supporting documentation indicates that all or part of the meeting was designated solely for the purpose of training.
   7. (7) College Courses. Up to 40 hours of continuing education credit may be applied for successful completion of a three-hour college course in a topic relevant to the officer's job duties and that is provided by a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and approved by the Commission. Classes for which less than three hours of college credit is earned may be considered for continuing education credit. If approved, continuing education hours will be based on the number of classroom hours.

Source Note:The provisions of this §344.670 adopted to be effective January 1, 2010, 34 TexReg 4191.