BISD Officer Maria Guajardo Earns Master School-Based Law Enforcement Certification

Posted on 08/26/2025

Brazosport ISD Police Officer Maria Guajardo has achieved a major milestone in her career, earning the highest level of school-based law enforcement training in Texas. On August 1, 2025, she graduated from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Master #41505 Training during a ceremony hosted by the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) in San Antonio.

The Master certification is the capstone of the TxSSC’s four-level training series, totaling 128 hours of specialized instruction. Before reaching this level, officers must complete Introductory, Intermediary, and Advanced courses. The program equips officers to be leaders in keeping schools and communities safe, focusing on evidence-based practices that promote both security and positive student relationships.

Participants train in areas such as youth mental health, adolescent brain development, suicide prevention, restorative justice, bullying and cyberbullying, gang awareness, social media investigations, strategic planning, and effective leadership.

“This training is invaluable and will help us better understand the students and parents within our school district,” said BISD Police Chief Wade Nichols. “It allows us to approach school policing with compassion and empathy, focusing on proactive strategies that support a safe and positive learning environment.”

“School Based Law Enforcement is a very specialized position and not everyone in law enforcement can do the job. It takes a special person to fill the shoes of someone who dedicates themselves to students on campuses,” says Joe Munoz, program manager for school-based law enforcement education. “Graduates have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing their skills and knowledge in school-based law enforcement. Their accomplishments reflect their dedication to professional growth and their ongoing commitment to serving the community with excellence.”

Officer Guajardo’s accomplishment reflects BISD’s commitment to providing a safe learning environment where students can thrive. Her dedication to ongoing professional growth ensures that the district’s police department continues to lead with excellence, compassion, and community-focused service.

The Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC), based at Texas State University, provides research, training, and resources to help schools across Texas create safe and supportive learning environments. Learn more at https://txssc.txstate.edu.