The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) has officially accepted the surrendering of a Hays County Sheriff’s Deputy’s Peace Officer Licensure on March 5, 2021.

On March 5th, TCOLE held a quarterly meeting and Michael Justin Kirkwood, prior Hays County Sheriff Deputy was named for conferral to accept his request to surrender his license to TCOLE.

Michael Justin Kirkwood, a Past President of the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA), was arrested in 2018, for allegations of Tampering with Government Record(s), and Attempted Theft(s) by a Public Servant.

TCOLE initially received Kirkwood’s, Criminal Charge Notification (E-1) on August 16, 2019.

On November 13, 2020, Kirkwood submitted his intentions to surrender his Peace Officer License to TCOLE.

On the same day, Kirkwood submitted a “Summary of the Reason for Surrender,” to TCOLE. In the summary it is stated:

The permanent surrender of said license is in compliance with an agreement between the Hays County Criminal District Attorney as authorized by Texas Administrative Act 223.13(a)(2)&(4) which will result in the Hays County Criminal District Attorney moving to dismiss all pending criminal charges.

On November 30, 2020, TCOLE officially informed Kirkwood he was permanently ineligible to reapply for any TCOLE-issued licenses.

We are still pending an Open Records Request from the Hays County Government.