What is the minimum gap in service for appointing an officer without notifying the commission?

The correct answer is based on the requirement set forth by TCOLE regarding the gap in service for appointing a law enforcement officer without the necessity of notification to the commission. When an officer has a break in service, if that break is less than 180 days, the agency can reappoint the officer without prior notification to TCOLE. This provision helps streamline the process for law enforcement agencies while ensuring that officers are not permanently out of the field due to minor gaps in employment.

In scenarios where the gap exceeds 180 days, the agency must notify TCOLE, which implies that the longer the break in service, the more regulatory oversight is required to ensure the officer's qualifications and training remain current. This policy balances the need for operational flexibility with the standards of accountability that TCOLE maintains over peace officer licensing and employment.