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AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has begun accepting applications for the 70th Law Enforcement Cadet Class. The application period will close Dec. 31, 2026.
The cadet class is open to individuals interested in a career as a Texas Game Warden or Texas State Park Police Officer. The cadets will be joining the next generation of state law enforcement officers whose jurisdiction extends beyond the pavement, with officers patrolling remote landscapes and waterways, remaining dedicated to the people, natural resources and outdoor heritage of this state.
In addition to enforcing Parks and Wildlife Code, as fully commissioned peace officers, Texas Game Wardens and Texas State Park Police Officers are tasked with enforcing all Texas criminal laws and must enforce the Penal Code, Transportation Code and Health and Safety Codes much like their law enforcement colleagues in other agencies.
Since 1895, Texas Game Wardens have enforced hunting, fishing and boating regulations and investigated natural resource crimes while promoting safe, responsible outdoor recreation. Game wardens are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, conducting hunter and boater education courses, participating in public outreach and working alongside local, state and federal law enforcement partners. With specialized training and equipment, they also play a critical role in the state’s emergency response efforts, including search, rescue and recovery operations during emergencies and natural disasters.
Texas State Park Police Officers share a similar commitment to public safety and resource protection. For more than 50 years, they have served in state parks across Texas, protecting visitors, enforcing state laws and park regulations, responding to emergencies and helping preserve the natural and cultural resources found within the state park system. Officers utilize community-oriented policing strategies and work closely with local law enforcement agencies to promote public safety in some of Texas’ most iconic outdoor destinations.
“A career in law enforcement with TPWD offers opportunities that few agencies can match,” said Col. Ron VanderRoest, Law Enforcement Director. “Our officers work in diverse environments, develop specialized skills and take on responsibilities ranging from conservation enforcement to emergency response.”
“We’re looking for individuals who want more than a traditional law enforcement career and are ready to take on the responsibilities of this unique, but rewarding calling,” he continued.
The Texas Legislature has authorized an expanded enforcement program that includes a 50-hour workweek for game wardens and paid overtime for Texas State Park Police Officers. This schedule supports increased patrol coverage across the state and provides opportunities to earn higher salaries through additional enforcement hours and overtime compensation.
Applicants for the 70th Law Enforcement Cadet Class must be at least 21 years old on or before Oct. 1, 2027. There is no maximum age limit.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university by June 30, 2027. Applicants without a bachelor’s degree may still qualify if they have completed at least 60 college credit hours and have either two years of active-duty military service with an honorable discharge or two years of full-time experience as a commissioned law enforcement officer. Lateral transfers are not allowed, and all applicants, regardless of qualifications or certifications, are required to complete the full academy.
Additionally, applicants must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, psychological and medical evaluations and a physical readiness test that includes handgun stability, a swim test consisting of falling backwards into a pool, treading water for one minute without touching the sides or bottom, followed by a 100 meter swim, using any stroke, completed in two-and-a-half minutes or less, 13 push-ups, 22 sit-ups and a four-minute row on a Concept2 rower. A complete list of eligibility requirements and application procedures is available on the TPWD website.
Selected applicants will attend the Texas Game Warden Training Academy at the Game Warden Training Center near Hamilton. All cadets are required to reside at the training center for the duration of the 35-week academy, which begins Oct. 1, 2027.
The selection process is highly competitive, with only the most qualified applicants chosen to attend the academy. Interested applicants may apply online through the TPWD website from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2026.
For additional information about becoming a Texas Game Warden, visit the TPWD Law Enforcement career page or contact the nearest TPWD Law Enforcement Office. Individuals interested in becoming a Texas State Park Police Officer may contact park police recruiter Lt. EJ Rivera at ej.rivera@tpwd.texas.gov.
About Texas Parks and Wildlife Law Enforcement Division
The Law Enforcement Division of TPWD is responsible for protecting the state’s natural and cultural resources and promoting public safety through community-based law enforcement. Texas Game Wardens enforce laws related to conservation and management of natural resources, while Texas State Park Police provide law enforcement services and safe, secure environments for approximately 10 million state park visitors each year. The division’s mission is to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Additionally, they play a crucial role in search and rescue operations during natural disasters, exemplifying their commitment to protecting both the environment and the people of Texas.
If you witness a fishing, wildlife or boating violation in progress, please call 1-800-792-GAME (4263) immediately and report it to Operation Game Thief (OGT), Texas’ Wildlife Crime-Stoppers Program. You can also text your tip by sending the keyword TXOGT plus your tip to 847411 or through the Texas OGT App, available for iOS and Android devices. Dispatchers are available 24/7.
