What serves as the primary authority behind TCOLE's rules and regulations?

The primary authority behind TCOLE's rules and regulations is Texas law. This is because TCOLE, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, is a state agency established to set standards for law enforcement in Texas, and its operations and regulations are grounded in statutes enacted by the Texas Legislature. This legal framework not only defines TCOLE's structure and responsibilities but also ensures that the agency's rules align with state laws addressing law enforcement practices, officer training, and certification.

In contrast, while federal law can influence law enforcement practices, it does not serve as the fundamental authority for TCOLE specifically. County ordinances may establish local regulations but are subordinate to state laws and do not dictate the rules governing the state's law enforcement agency. Agency policies are important for internal guidelines and procedures but do not hold the legal authority of state law. Therefore, Texas law is the cornerstone upon which TCOLE's regulations are built and enforced.