The Law Enforcement Division of the Southwest Florida Criminal Justice Academy is responsible for delivering the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit, Auxiliary, Equivalency of Training (EoT), and Crossover from Corrections to Law Enforcement programs.
There are three ways one can become a certified Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Florida:
- Complete a basic recruit training program for Law Enforcement Officers.
- Be certified in the State of Florida as a Correctional Officer and Complete a Crossover program from Corrections to Law Enforcement.
- Be a certified Law Enforcement Officer in the United States outside of Florida and apply for the Equivalency of Training (EOT) program.
In order to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a Law Enforcement Officer one must:
- Complete the appropriate training program.
- Pass the Florida State Officer Certification Examination.
- Be employed or appointed as a Law Enforcement Officer by a certified Agency.
Minimum requirements for employment as a Law Enforcement Officer
- Be at least 19 years of age.
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Be a high school graduate or equivalent.
- Not have been convicted of any felony.
- Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.
- Not have a dishonorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States.
- Achieve a passing score on the CJBAT Test for Law Enforcement.
- Have been fingerprinted by the employing agency with prints processed by the FDLE and the FBI.
- Have passed a physical examination by a licensed physician.
- Have good moral character.
- Completed an Affidavit of Applicant form CJSTC-68.
- Successfully passed a background investigation to include drug testing.
- Successfully completed one of the Law Enforcement Officer Basic Recruit, Crossover, or EOT training programs.
- Achieve a passing score on the State Officer Certification Examination.
- Complied with mandatory retraining for continuing training or education requirements.
Additional Requirements for Entrance into the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy Self enrolled
- Complete a CJBAT or FBAT. (BAT).
- Meet the minimum qualifications (including a PAT).
- Minimum requirements and steps to attend the Law Enforcement Basic Academy
- Have a Florida Driver’s License. With no DL suspension within the last 3 years.
- Have not had any excessive traffic citations. (Three in the last two years.)
- Not have a dishonorable discharge from any of the armed forces of the United States.
- Not ever have been convicted of any felony.
- Not ever have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.
- No misdemeanor convictions in the last 5 years.
- No DUI conviction in the last 5 years.
- Drug Free Minimum 3-5 years prior, depending on substance use.
- Not have used, possessed or cultivated any illegal controlled substance within the past 5 years.
- (Marijuana 3 years) No history of drug sales.
- No LSD/Methamphetamine use at any time.
Get Started :
Step 1: Achieve a passing score on the CJBAT test for Law Enforcement Officers
Additional information regarding this exam can be found on website.
Step 2: Application
You are eligible for an application when CJBAT is passed. This will be verified by an Academy Staff member. You must provide a copy of your results. Each class has a registration period. Information provided under each class for those dates. After confirming your eligibility with the pre-application checklist, you will be given further information on where and how to obtain fingerprints/drug screen.
Step 3: Submit the application packet
- Application packets are available online. Applicants must have application completed with all required paperwork (from checklist). Fingerprints and Drug Screen can be paid online however, the P.A.T. will have to be paid at the Academy. Examples of cost:
- Fingerprints $48.00 – subject to change(Credit Card only)
- Drug Screen $35.00
Step 4: P.A.T.(physical Agility Test) and Interview
You will complete the P.A.T. on the stated date.
- Physical Agility Test $25.00 (cash, credit card, money order).
After passing the P.A.T. you will be advised of the date and time of your Interview. Your interview results will be given within 48hrs.
Step 5: Orientation for accepted applicants
Congratulations you are one step closer to starting your future. You will be informed of uniform and boot order requirements/vendors to complete on your own prior to start of Academy. Orientation dates are found below under the specified class you are accepted to, tuition payment needs to be completed.
The Academy will provide your physical training (PT) gear which includes four t-shirts and two gym shorts included in your tuition. Any additional items may be purchased at the Academy for the following:
- T-Shirt $6.00
- Shorts $9.00
- Hat $ 7.00
- Jackets $ 21.00
- Sweats set $25.00
- Mouth Piece $1.00
Step 6: First day of class
Welcome! This day will be the first of many great experiences.
171th Law Enforcement Class (Agency Sponsored students ONLY)
Class Start/End Date August 28, 2023 – January 26, 2023
Applications Available (Online) N/A
Deadline to Return Application August 7, 2023
P.A.T. No Open Enrollment accepted
Oral Board No Open Enrollment accepted
Orientation August 14, 2023 10:00 AM
170th Law Enforcement Class
Class Start/End Date May 22, 2023 – October 6, 2023
Applications Available (Online) February 20, 2023 – April 14, 2023
Deadline to Return Application April 14, 2023
P.A.T. April 24, 2023
Oral Board May 2, 2023
Orientation May 15, 2023 10:00 AM
89th CrossOver CO to LE Class
Class Start/End Date August 28, 2023 – January 26, 2024
Applications Available (Online) June 1, 2023 – August 7, 2023
Deadline to Return Application August 7, 2023
P.A.T. N/A
Oral Board August 9, 2023 (open enrollment)
Orientation August 14, 2023 10:00 AM
Due to the increase in agency applications, it is recommended that you DO NOT schedule your Fingerprints or Polygraph test until you have spoken to Erica Rich, Law Enforcement Program Coordinator or her Assistant Ms. Wallace.
Basic Recruit
Courses
169 Basic Law Enforcement Class
To successfully complete this basic recruit training program, recruits must achieve a passing score on each of the written end-of-course examinations. Recruits must also demonstrate proficiency skills in the DUI Traffic Stops course and in the High Liability courses (Vehicle Operations, First Aid, Firearms, and Defensive Tactics) and participate in the CJSTC Fitness Program. See Rules 11B-35.001 and 11B-35.0024, FAC (IN028.1).
Course Type: Law Enforcement
Class Dates: Mar 13, 2023 - Aug 2, 2023
Registration Dates: Jan 2, 2023 - Feb 9, 2023
Times: 0900, 0700, 0800, , 1300
Classrooms: 13-009, OFF, Driving Range, Range, DT Room, PT Area,
Instructors: Paul Blanchard, Raymond Beiner, Rebecca Long, Robert Vishion, Robert Vishion, Ronald Glad, Angela Leavens, Andrew Satterlee, Roman Serrano, , Brian Jones, Scott Lineberger, Erica Rich, Dennis Eads
170 Basic Law Enforcement Class
To successfully complete this basic recruit training program, recruits must achieve a passing score on each of the written end-of-course examinations. Recruits must also demonstrate proficiency skills in the DUI Traffic Stops course and in the High Liability courses (Vehicle Operations, First Aid, Firearms, and Defensive Tactics) and participate in the CJSTC Fitness Program. See Rules 11B-35.001 and 11B-35.0024, FAC (IN028.1).
Course Type: Law Enforcement
Class Dates: May 22, 2023 - Oct 9, 2023
Registration Dates: Feb 20, 2023 - Apr 14, 2023
Times: 0900, 0700, 0800, , 1300
Classrooms: 4-002, PT Area, , Driving Range, DT Room, Range, 13-009
Instructors: Paul Blanchard, , Raymond Beiner, Dennis Eads, Rebecca Long, Brian Jones, Robert Vishion, Erica Rich, Ronald Glad, Angela Leavens, Scott Lineberger, Andrew Satterlee, Roman Serrano, Daniel Kennedy, Robert Vishion
171 Basic Law Enforcement Class
To successfully complete this basic recruit training program, recruits must achieve a passing score on each of the written end-of-course examinations. Recruits must also demonstrate proficiency skills in the DUI Traffic Stops course and in the High Liability courses (Vehicle Operations, First Aid, Firearms, and Defensive Tactics) and participate in the CJSTC Fitness Program. See Rules 11B-35.001 and 11B-35.0024, FAC (IN028.1).
Course Type: Law Enforcement
Class Dates: Aug 28, 2023 - Jan 26, 2024
Registration Dates: Jun 1, 2023 - Aug 7, 2023
Times: 0900, 0700, , 0800, 1300
Classrooms: 13-009, , PT Area, DT Room, Range
Instructors: Paul Blanchard, Raymond Beiner, , Paul Blanchard, Dennis Eads, Erica Rich, Rebecca Long, Scott Lineberger, Brian Jones, Ronald Glad, Robert Vishion, Angela Leavens, Andrew Satterlee
Corrections Officer to Law Enforcement Crossover
Courses
88 Crossover CO to LE
To successfully complete this basic recruit training program, recruits must achieve a passing score on each of the written end-of-course examinations. Recruits must also demonstrate proficiency skills in the DUI Traffic Stops course and in the High Liability courses (Vehicle Operations, First Aid, Firearms, and Defensive Tactics) and participate in the CJSTC Fitness Program. See Rules 11B-35.001 and 11B-35.0024, FAC (IN028.1).
Course Type: CO to LE Crossover
Class Dates: Mar 13, 2023 - Jul 3, 2023
Registration Dates: Jan 2, 2023 - Feb 9, 2023
Times: 0900, 0700, 0800, , 1300
Classrooms: 13-009, OFF, Driving Range,
Instructors: Paul Blanchard, Raymond Beiner, , Rebecca Long, Robert Vishion, Robert Vishion, Ronald Glad, Angela Leavens, Andrew Satterlee, Roman Serrano, Brian Jones, Erica Rich
89 Crossover CO to LE
To successfully complete this basic recruit training program, recruits must achieve a passing score on each of the written end-of-course examinations. Recruits must also demonstrate proficiency skills in the DUI Traffic Stops course and in the High Liability courses (Vehicle Operations, First Aid, Firearms, and Defensive Tactics) and participate in the CJSTC Fitness Program. See Rules 11B-35.001 and 11B-35.0024, FAC (IN028.1).
Course Type: Law Enforcement
Class Dates: Aug 28, 2023 - Jan 26, 2024
Registration Dates: Jun 1, 2023 - Aug 14, 2023
Times: 0900, 0700, , 0800, 1300
Classrooms: 13-009, , Range
Instructors: Paul Blanchard, Raymond Beiner, , Brian Jones, Erica Rich, Rebecca Long, Ronald Glad, Robert Vishion, Angela Leavens, Andrew Satterlee, Roman Serrano
Course Fee :
In State – $3,595.40
Out of State – $10,363.70
(All course fees must be paid by credit/debit card or money order. Cash will not be accepted.)
Apply Now
Quick Info
- Course Number : 18 Courses
- 770 hours
- Affordable Course Fee : $3,595.40
- Instructor : Erica Rich
Contact Info :
Erica Rich
Law Enforcement Program Coordinator
EricaLR@LeeSchools.net
Cassandra Wallace
Assistant to the Law Enforcement Coordinator
CassandraSH@leeschools.net