Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Practice Exam 2026 - Free TCOLE Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is official oppression because this offense is characterized by a public servant exerting their authority in a manner that is oppressive or abusive, particularly towards a subordinate. In the context of a police sergeant making sexual advances towards a female subordinate, this behavior reflects an abuse of power and authority that creates a hostile environment.

Official oppression emphasizes the violation of the subordinate's rights and the misuse of the sergeant's position within the police department to engage in inappropriate conduct. Such actions can lead to significant consequences both legally and within the organizational structure, as they breach ethical standards and policies regarding workplace conduct.

While harassment might seem relevant, the term encompasses a broader range of inappropriate conduct and doesn't specifically capture the component of abusing official authority as explicitly as official oppression does. Assault generally refers to physical harm or the threat of harm, which may not apply here unless physical contact occurred. Discrimination relates to unfair treatment based on characteristics protected by law but does not specifically address the context of sexual advances from a superior.