Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Tatum ISD Police Officers certified peace officers?
Yes. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedures Article 2.12 identifies peace officers including, Officers commissioned under Section 37.001 of the Texas Education Code (ISD Police). All Tatum ISD Police Officers are peace officers licensed by the State of Texas and commissioned by Tatum ISD. They have all powers, responsibilities, and immunities as do all other Texas peace officer.
2. Are TISD Police Officers employed by the city of Tatum?
No, the TISD police officers are commissioned by TISD. The city of Tatum Police Department is not affiliated with TISD.
3. What authorizes the Board to employ police officers?
The Texas Education Code, Section 37.001 authorizes the District’s Board of Trustees to employ security personnel and commission police officers. It is the Board’s responsibility to determine the jurisdiction of police officers employed by the District.
4. Can Tatum ISD Police Officers make arrests off campus?
Yes. Tatum ISD Police Officers can arrest offenders of the law both on and off campus.
See Incident FlowChart for more information.
5. Can a Tatum ISD Police Officer issue me a traffic ticket?
Yes. Tatum ISD Police Officers are authorized to issue traffic citations, on or off school property.
See Incident FlowChart for more information.
6. What happens if I don't pay my ticket?
If you do not appear in court or pay your fine, a warrant for your arrest may be issued by the court.
7. What role do district police officers play in school discipline?
None. Police officers are not disciplinarians and should not be used as such. Their role is to investigate violations of law and ordinances in accordance with the authority and power specified in Board Policy. While police actions may result in the assignment of a disciplinary consequence, discipline is the responsibility of campus administrators.
Yes. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedures Article 2.12 identifies peace officers including, Officers commissioned under Section 37.001 of the Texas Education Code (ISD Police). All Tatum ISD Police Officers are peace officers licensed by the State of Texas and commissioned by Tatum ISD. They have all powers, responsibilities, and immunities as do all other Texas peace officer.
2. Are TISD Police Officers employed by the city of Tatum?
No, the TISD police officers are commissioned by TISD. The city of Tatum Police Department is not affiliated with TISD.
3. What authorizes the Board to employ police officers?
The Texas Education Code, Section 37.001 authorizes the District’s Board of Trustees to employ security personnel and commission police officers. It is the Board’s responsibility to determine the jurisdiction of police officers employed by the District.
4. Can Tatum ISD Police Officers make arrests off campus?
Yes. Tatum ISD Police Officers can arrest offenders of the law both on and off campus.
See Incident FlowChart for more information.
5. Can a Tatum ISD Police Officer issue me a traffic ticket?
Yes. Tatum ISD Police Officers are authorized to issue traffic citations, on or off school property.
See Incident FlowChart for more information.
6. What happens if I don't pay my ticket?
If you do not appear in court or pay your fine, a warrant for your arrest may be issued by the court.
7. What role do district police officers play in school discipline?
None. Police officers are not disciplinarians and should not be used as such. Their role is to investigate violations of law and ordinances in accordance with the authority and power specified in Board Policy. While police actions may result in the assignment of a disciplinary consequence, discipline is the responsibility of campus administrators.