Law Enforcement Officer, Certificate

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Program Overview

The Law Enforcement Officer basic recruit training program prepares students for a career in law enforcement to protect the lives and property of fellow citizens. Law enforcement officers patrol the community, investigate crimes, and prepare cases for prosecution. For those seeking dual certifications, the Institute of Public Safety also offers a law enforcement officer to correctional officer certification.

The law enforcement academy at the Institute of Public Safety prepares students as entry-level law enforcement officers in Florida. The program design is fast-paced and highly structured, consisting of a curriculum developed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The program spans two semesters at 770 contact hours and runs 40 hours per week. Instructors with years of real-world experience deliver the entire curriculum to students outfitted with training equipment that simulates the uniforms and duty-belts worn by police officers daily. We have found that the use of these aids greatly enhances mental and physical cognition as students prepare for their new profession. Finally, the program culminates in a crucible known as scenario weekend, where students demonstrate their newly acquired skills during reality-based training scenarios.

The programs offered are presented in one of the most innovative and high-tech facilities in the nation and cover a broad range of academic and hands-on training that qualifies students to take the state certification exam from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's (FDLE) Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).

To increase earning potential and help career advancement, students who complete this certificate can sign up for the Criminal Justice Bridge Course. In one three-credit summer class, you can earn up to 24 credits toward an Associate in Science degree in Criminal Justice Technology.

Licensure and Certification

Upon completion of this program, students can earn professional certifications and occupational licenses, including those concerning out-of-state reciprocity.

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Requirements for Admission

Requirements for admissions are established by Santa Fe College Institute of Public Safety in accordance with Florida Statute 943.13, Florida Administrative Code 11B-27, 11B-35, and include:

1. Must pass the FDLE Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT)
2. Must be at least 19 years of age
3. Must be a U.S. Citizen
4. Must be a high school graduate or equivalent
5. Cannot be convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, including a plea of nolo contendere
6. Must have fingerprints on file with the program
7. Must pass a physical examination by a licensed physician, physician's assistant, or licensed advanced practice registered nurse
8. Must be of good moral character
9. Must submit to controlled substance testing

Program Costs, Scholarships and Aid

All tuition and fees are estimated costs and subject to change without notice.

Program Costs Breakdown

Tuition for 770 Contact Hours

Tuition and Lab Fees

• $4,365.15 Florida Residents
• $9,868.11 Non-Florida Residents

Program Application Fee: $135.00

• $350.00 Supplies

Program Cost Totals

• $4,850.15 Florida Residents
• $10,353.11 Non-Florida Residents

Scholarships

There are many scholarships available for Santa Fe College students to apply to. Please visit the Scholarships webpage for more information and how to apply.

Financial Aid

There are many options to finance your education. You may be eligible for Federal Grants, Work Study, State Grants, Federal Loans, and Institutional Scholarships. Please visit the Financial Aid page for more information and how to apply.

Program Goals and Outcomes

1. Describe the importance of ethical behavior and accountability for persons serving in a law enforcement agency.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of criminal justice system components, terms, concepts, legal issues, and processes.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of interpersonal communication strategies, radio communication procedures, interviewing methods, and report writing techniques.
4. Describe the scope and classifications of crimes and the manner in which criminal cases are processed in the US Court System.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of patrol functions and the importance of community relations and partnerships.
6. Demonstrate the fundamentals relating to criminal investigations and the collection and processing of physical evidence.
7. Demonstrate a knowledge and proficiency in high liability topics that include administering first-aid, CPR, Handling and using firearms, applying defensive tactics, and maintaining functional fitness.

For student success and employment data, see the Program Effectiveness section below.

Program Length, Format and Curriculum

The law enforcement academy at the Institute of Public Safety prepares students as an entry-level law enforcement officer in Florida. The program design is fast-paced and highly structured, consisting of a curriculum developed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The program spans two semesters at 770 contact hours and runs 40 hours per week. Instructors with years of real-world experience deliver the entire curriculum to students outfitted with training equipment that simulates the uniforms and duty-belts worn by police officers daily. We have found that the use of these aids greatly enhances mental and physical cognition as students prepare for the new profession. Finally, the program culminates in a crucible known as scenario weekend, where students demonstrate their newly acquired skills during reality-based training scenarios.

2020 Florida Basic Recruit Training Program: Law Enforcement

• CJK-0001 Introduction to Law Enforcement (10 contact hours)
• CJK-0012 Legal (62 contact hours)
• CJK-0013 Interactions in a Diverse Community (40 contact hours)
• CJK-0014 Interviewing and Report Writing (56 contact hours)
• CJK-0064 Fundamentals of Patrol (35 contact hours)
• CJK-0065 Calls for Service (36 contact hours)
• CJK-0077 Criminal Investigations (50 contact hours)
• CJK-0078 Crime Scene to Courtroom (35 contact hours)
• CJK-0092 Critical Incidents (44 contact hours)
• CJK-0087 Traffic Stops (30 contact hours)
• CJK-0084 DUI Traffic Stops (24 contact hours)
• CJK-0088 Traffic Crash Investigations (32 contact hours)

2020 Florida Basic Recruit Training Program: High Liability

• CJK-0020 Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations (48 contact hours)
• CJK-0031 First Aid for Criminal Justice Officers (40 contact hours)
• CJK-0040 Criminal Justice Firearms (80 contact hours)
• CJK-0051 Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics (80 contact hours)
• CJK-0422 Conducted Electrical Weapon/Dart-Firing Stun Gun (8 contact hours)
• CJK-0096 Criminal Justice Officer Physical Fitness Training (60 contact hours)

Program Effectiveness

Program Effectiveness captures the quality of a program using qualitative data such as program completion, national exam pass rates and job placement.

2020

Students Admitted: 63

Students Graduated: 38 (60%)

State LE Certification on the first attempt: 36 (94%)

Employment rate at the time of graduation: 29 (80%)

Cost of Attendance

Disclosure

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is not the bill that you will receive from Santa Fe College. It is an estimate of what it costs the typical student to attend Santa Fe College for one academic year including tuition, books, course materials, living expenses, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses.

Tuition and fees in the cost of attendance below are calculated for credit hour programs, assuming enrollment in 12 credit hours in the Fall and Spring semesters. Actual tuition and fees may vary by program. For a better understanding of your chosen program’s tuition and fees, see program costs above.

Tuition and Fees

In-State: $106.77 per credit
Out-Of-State: $382.90 per credit

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