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'They're being told basically, that their careers are over' | The error that may force 18 Liberty County Sheriff’s Deputies off the job

While their licenses currently are on hold, the deputies are still able to work since all 18 have appealed their letters from TCOLE.

LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas — After nearly two years on the job, 18 Liberty County Deputies could lose their licenses through no fault of their own.

 "They're being told basically, that their careers are over because somebody else screwed up," said Kevin Lawrence Executive Director of the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA).

For six years, College of the Mainland and the Liberty County Sheriff's Office have partnered to educate future law enforcement officers.

However, 18 deputies are now possibly losing their licenses after records were not kept correctly.

"Now the LEO (law enforcement officers) sign(ed) into class and the date, but it didn't have at the top what the course was, so TCOLE didn't know what course was taught that day. They didn't know what to give credit for," said Sheriff of Liberty County, Bobby Rader. 

12News obtained a letter from an affected officer from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).

In part it states "As a result, you do not meet the minimum training standards for licensure and TCOLE seeks to cancel your peace officer license."

While their licenses are currently on hold, the deputies are still able to work, because all 18 have appealed those letters.

However, Kevin Lawrence says that he is still not satisfied.

"A fix would be everybody going back to work, and then the administrators that actually messed this thing up, they'll be held accountable," said Lawrence.

Lawrence said that the College of the Mainland has offered to cover the officers tuition if they do wish to reapply.  

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