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Training Section
The Training and Recruiting Division of Longview Police Department is responsible for the recruiting of qualified candidates for Police Officer vacancies, while also ensuring that LPD Officers have proper training and equipment to provide professional Police service to the Citizens of Longview Texas.
The Longview Police Department is an accredited police academy. We offer a variety of Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) approved training courses through each fiscal year. Longview PD Officers instruct classes for our department; our instructors are subject matter experts in their areas of instruction. We do also utilize outside instructors/guest speakers that teach other programs in their areas of expertise.
A nominal fee is charged to law enforcement from other agencies to help cover the cost of training opportunities. Training is free to Longview police officers. A limited number of seats are available to each class, so please sign up in advance.
*Longview officers will not use this online registration. Longview officers should submit the normal training request directly through chain of command.
Longview Police Academy Cadet Class 6 -
- Flyer
- Registration
ALERRT Level 1
Anyone wanting to attend the classes will need to register with Sgt. Drew Allison, 903-331-5734 or email There will be 24 spots for each class. So, first come, first serve on these classes.- February 21-22 (Course #15280 & 15281)
- April 4-5 (Course #15282 & 15283)
- June 13-14 (Course #15284 & 15285)
- August 1-2 (Course #15286 & 15287)
Location of Classes:
Gladewater Middle School
700 Melba Ave.
Gladewater, TX 75646
AAIR (Active Attack Integrated Response)
Anyone wanting to attend the classes will need to register with Sgt. Drew Allison, 903-331-5734 or email . There will be 24 spots for each class. So, first come, first serve on these classes.- March 21-22 (Course #15288 & 15289)
- May 2-3 (Course #15290 & 15291)
- July 11-12 (Course #15292 & 15293)
Location of Classes:
Gladewater Middle School
700 Melba Ave.
Gladewater, TX 75646
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Training and Recruiting Division
Training Sergeant:
Sergeant Shannon Purdon began his career in Law Enforcement in 1999 and came to be with the Longview Police Department in November of 2007. Sergeant Shannon Purdon has been in Law Enforcement for over 20 years. He began his career at Daingerfield Police Department, transferred to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and was then assigned to the Morris County DA’s Office as a Narcotics Investigator before transferring to LPD in 2007.
While at LPD, he has been a patrol Officer, a Field Training Officer, Patrol Supervisor, 3rd Watch FTO Supervisor, and Reserves Supervisor. He was the Sergeant over Property Crimes and ICAC/Technical Investigations Section in CID for 6 years. He was also a member of the United States Secret Service North Texas Financial Crimes Task Force for 2 years.
He is currently assigned to the Training/Recruiting Section and serves as the Department’s Training Coordinator where he is responsible for ensuring that all sworn officers receive their required training. He also oversees the Longview Police Academy Training Program for New recruits.
Sergeant Purdon holds his Master Peace Officer Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), was a Certified Intoxilyzer Operator for 15 years, was an Certified SFST Instructor, has been a certified TCOLE Instructor for over 10 years, he has been a Certified Taser Instructor for 10 years, a Financial Crimes Instructor, and holds a Basic Instructor Proficiency certification from TCOLE.
Officer Eric Hewitt
Officer Hewitt has been an Officer with the Longview Police Department since June 21, 1992. During this time, Officer Hewitt has served as a Patrolman, Field Training Officer, Hostage Negotiator, and Detective in CID (Violent Crimes, Property, and Juvenile).
Officer Hewitt is currently assigned to the Training and Recruiting Division. He is a Master Peace Officer, a Certified TCOLE Instructor, and a Certified Firearms Instructor. He teaches Multiculturalism & Human Relations, Patrol Skills, and Firearms in the Longview Basic Police Academy.
Officer Danny Stroud
Officer Stroud served in the Marine Corps for 4 years and was an Instructor in the Marine Corps Combat Martial Arts program. He has been with the Longview Police Department for 12 years. He served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and SWAT team member. He has been through the basic SWAT school, and served on the Longview PD SWAT team for 9 years. He has completed the basic and advanced SWAT sniper school. During his time with the LPD SWAT team, he has taught several classes on room entry, room clearing, low light conditions, etc.
Officer Stroud is currently assigned to the Training and Recruiting Division. He is a Master Peace Officer, a Certified TCOLE Instructor, a Certified Firearms Instructor, and a Gracie Combatives Level 1 Instructor. He is an Instructor in Patrol Skills, Control Tactics, Physical fitness, Stress Management, and Firearms in the Longview Basic Police Academy.