Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) Training 2026
Law Enforcement Training Program Schedule – 2026
The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) is committed to providing high-quality training opportunities for law enforcement and public safety professionals throughout the region, consisting of Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan Counties.
Registration & Attendance Policy
Individuals registered for a HOTCOG training course who are unable to attend must notify Lana Gudgel in writing at least seven (7) days prior to the first day of class. Participants who fail to attend without proper written notification may be restricted from registering for future courses until a letter from their agency administration is submitted verifying future attendance commitment.
Contact: Lana Gudgel
Email: Lana.gudgel@hot.cog.tx.us
Course Schedule
Intermediate Child Abuse Prevention #2105
Dates: June 1–3, 2026
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (24 Hours, TCOLE Credit)
Location: ESEC, 7601 Steinbeck Bend Rd, Waco, TX
Instructors: Brandon Ferguson / Jason Stone
Class Limit: 25 Participants
This course is designed for Texas Peace Officers seeking Intermediate Certification and provides critical training in child abuse prevention and investigative response.
Intermediate Crime Scene #2106
Dates: June 1–5, 2026
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (40 Hours, TCOLE Credit)
Location: ESEC, 7601 Steinbeck Bend Rd, Waco, TX
Instructor: Keith Vaughan
Class Limit: 15 Participants
This course provides advanced instruction in crime scene investigation techniques and evidence processing. Certification requirements must comply with Commission Rules 221.1 and 221.3.
Basic Instructor Course #1014
Dates: June 8–12, 2026
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (40 Hours, TCOLE Credit)
Location: ESEC, 7601 Steinbeck Bend Rd, Waco, TX
Instructor: Lana Gudgel
Class Limit: 10 Participants
Status: Registration Closed – Class Full
This course introduces students to instructional development, lesson planning, classroom presentation techniques, and evaluation methods required for effective law enforcement instruction.
Insurance Fraud Investigation
Date: July 15, 2026
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (8 Hours, TCOLE Credit)
Location: HOTCOG, 1514 S. New Road, Waco, TX
Instructor: Jon Holman
Participants will learn to identify insurance fraud schemes, investigative techniques, interview methods, legal considerations, and courtroom preparation procedures.
Intermediate Incident Command System (ICS 300)
Dates: July 27–29, 2026
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (24 Hours, TCOLE Credit)
Location: HOTCOG, 1514 S. New Road, Waco, TX
Instructors: Tim Jeske / Boyce Wilson
Designed for personnel who may serve in supervisory roles during expanding incidents, this course covers ICS responsibilities, operational coordination, and emergency management principles.
Prerequisites: ICS100, ICS200, IS700, and IS800 completion required.
Basic Instructor Course #1014
Dates: August 3–7, 2026
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (40 Hours, TCOLE Credit)
Location: HOTCOG, 1514 S. New Road, Waco, TX
Instructor: Lana Gudgel
Class Limit: 10 Participants
Status: Registration Closed – Class Full
This course focuses on instructional methods, classroom engagement, lesson development, and effective training delivery techniques for public safety professionals.
Intermediate Child Abuse Prevention #2105
Dates: August 24–28, 2026
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (24 Hours, TCOLE Credit)
Location: ESEC, 7601 Steinbeck Bend Rd, Waco, TX
Instructors: Brandon Ferguson / Jason Stone
Class Limit: 25 Participants
This course supports officers pursuing Intermediate Certification and provides specialized training in recognizing, investigating, and preventing child abuse cases.
Advanced Instructor #1017
Dates: September 21–25, 2026
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (40 Hours, TCOLE Credit)
Location: McLennan Community College – ESEC, Waco, TX
Instructor: Lana Gudgel
Class Limit: 10 Participants
This advanced-level instructor course enhances training delivery skills, instructional preparation, student engagement, and competency development for certified TCOLE instructors.
Prerequisite: Current TCOLE Instructor Certification required.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Dates: October 14–15, 2026
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (16 Hours, TCOLE Credit)
Location: HOTCOG, 1514 S. New Road, Waco, TX
Instructor: Katherine Clendennen
ASIST is an interactive suicide intervention workshop that teaches participants how to recognize signs of suicide risk and develop immediate safety plans to support individuals in crisis.
Target audience includes Peace Officers, Jailers, Telecommunicators, and Emergency Service Providers.
Registration Information
Register online through the HOTCOG website.
Training is provided at no cost for personnel employed within the HOTCOG Region unless otherwise specified.
Beginning January 1, 2025, attendees from outside the HOTCOG Region will be charged a $75 registration fee per course. Payment must be received prior to the start of class and may be made by cash, check, or money order. Credit cards are not accepted, and refunds will not be issued.
For classes with limited seating, registration priority will be given to agencies within the HOTCOG Region.
Have a question? Contact:
Lana Gudgel
lana.gudgel@hot.cog.tx.us
254-292-1891 Office
254-495-0023 Cell
Click the link below to register.
hotcogtx.gov/regional-services/law-enforcement-training-classes