Associate In Science Degree
The two-year Criminal Justice A.S. degree program offers a broad background in the history, philosophy, organization, management and operation of the criminal justice system. It is a path to employment, a bachelor’s degree and career enhancement. As part of Valencia’s Two for All initiative, state-certified professionals may be able to receive credits toward the A.S. degree for professional experience.
Related Certificates:
Many certificates can be completed in less than a year and credits earned apply toward the A.S. degree in Criminal Justice.
Pathways to Advanced Degrees
Bachelor’s Opportunities
Valencia College Associate in Science degree graduates have the opportunity to transfer into the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Organizational Leadership degree offered at Valencia College, or may transfer to other Florida public universities. Graduates from select A.S. degrees are guaranteed* admission to the University of Central Florida through DirectConnect to UCF® . Students who wish to transfer to a university should contact their school of choice about transfer requirements, and meet with a Valencia College advisor for assistance with education planning.
A Career In Law Enforcement
The Law Enforcement Academy gives you the training you need to pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement State Officer Certification Examination and become a police officer. SPC’s Southeastern Public Safety Institute is an approved FDLE training center and uses the curriculum of the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission .
This academic program prepares you for the following careers. All job data is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Q: Can I Apply If I Have Used Drugs
A: The following drug use would disqualify an applicant if any of the below mentioned were indicated in the review of the application packet, polygraph examination or background investigation:
1. Use of any illegal drugs within three years of the submission of an application for employment as a Police Officer will result in a failed background.
2. Any more than occasional past use of marijuana over the applicant’s lifetime will result in an automatic, permanent disqualification, and not within three years of application.
3. Other than Marijuana and Adderall, any past illegal use of a Schedule I or Schedule II drug, as defined by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, used in an illicit or recreational manner will result in an automatic, permanent disqualification .
4. Any more than experimental use of steroids not prescribed by a doctor for a medical condition and within five years of application will result in an automatic failed background. Past sale of any illegal drug as defined by Florida State Statutes will result in an automatic, permanent disqualification.
5. Any use of illegal drugs after having been employed by a police, corrections or law enforcement agency in a police, corrections or law enforcement capacity will result in an automatic, permanent disqualification.
6. Abuse of any prescription drug within five years of application will result in an automatic failed background.
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Florida Law Enforcement Academy
This certificate program provides minimum standards education for law enforcement officers as required by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This program prepares the student to sit for the State examination administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Individuals must be at least 19 years of age to sit for the State exam. Applicants must successfully complete the basic abilities test for Law Enforcement and the Brevard Police Testing process for entry into this program.
Is It Worth It
If youve asked an officer about the training academy, youve probably heard a similar response: It was mentally and physically draining, but it was completely worth it!
Many officers will remember their training as incredibly challenging but find their job exceedingly rewarding. The relationships that are built during training can turn into lifelong bonds and friendships. Plus, the skills learned in the academy are essential to the job once you get started.
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Minimum Requirements For Employment As A Law Enforcement Officer
Law Enforcement Officer Certificate
To earn this career certificate, you must complete the FDLE curriculum. Along with earning the Law Enforcement Officer Certificate from Seminole State, students must take and pass the state certification exam to become certified to work as an officer in Florida. For additional program curriculum information,
- Review the Law Enforcement Officer Certificate course overview.
- Visit the Law Enforcement Officer Certificate webpage.
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Admission Requirements And Application Process
Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Career Training
The IRSC Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program consists of 848 hours of training. The daytime academy is approximately 24 weeks in length and generally meets Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The evening academy is approximately 44 weeks in length and generally meets Monday through Friday from 5:15 to 9:30 p.m., with an occasional Saturday class. Student-recruits wear academy uniforms and participate in a highly structured and disciplined classroom environment.
Florida Police Jobs Outlook
The future for law enforcement careers in Florida looks quite promising. Through 2026, police and sheriffs patrol officer positions in Florida are expected to increase by 12.9%.9 There will be an estimated 3,270 average annual openings for law enforcement in Florida, including replacements.9 Many new officers will be needed to replace the high number of retiring baby boomer police officers in the coming years. Of course, local budgets also play a hand in the recruitment cycle of each police department.
For more information current law enforcement openings, take a look at our police jobs board.
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Florida Trooper Or Highway Patrol Requirements
The Florida State Patrol operates under the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Currently, Colonel Gene Spaulding is the FHP Director. The Florida Highway Patrol has an authorized force of 1,946 sworn and 529 non-sworn employees.3 To become a state patrol officer in Florida, candidates must meet state requirements and:
- Not have a history of repeated traffic violations
- Not be more than 20 pounds over recommended weight
- Be willing to relocate to any duty station in Florida
The Florida trooper educational requirements state that all candidates must hold a high school diploma. However, candidates who hold an associate degree or higher are often given employment preference. The FHP also awards preference to military veterans.
Entry-level Florida state troopers earn a starting salary of $38,034 per year, with adjustments for higher cost of living area assignments.3 Troopers are eligible to apply for promotion after five years of service.
Corrections Officer Crossover To Law Enforcement Officer Academy
The Law Enforcement Officer Crossover from Correctional Officer PSAV certificate program is designed to train you if you are currently certified in the corrections discipline to laterally move to the law enforcement discipline. This course recognizes your previous training in a basic certification program and meets all requirements of the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
Upon satisfactory completion, students will be eligible to take the CJSTC Certification Examination, as prescribed in Florida Statute § 943.17.
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There Are Three Ways One Can Become A Certified Law Enforcement Officer In The State Of Florida:
In order to carry out the duties and responsibilities of a Law Enforcement Officer one must:
How To Become A Police Officer In Florida
The Sunshine State offers a multitude of advantages for its 20.2 million residents, including great weather and good communities.1 Residents in Florida are served and protected by the estimated 38,770 police officers working in the state.2 The state-level requirements for becoming a Florida cop are similar to other states. However, individual agencies may have additional requirements on top of the states recommended standards. For example, many agencies require new recruits to have an associate degree, while the state educational minimum is a high school diploma or GED certificate. On this page, youll find out more about Floridas requirements for law enforcement training as well as more information on the top police departments in the state.
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How Long Are Police In The Academy
RCMP officers can expect to be in the training academy for 26 weeks, while a Police Officers training academy can range from 13 to 34 weeks, depending on the city they are in.
Some police academies will break up their training into sections. For example, many municipalities in British Columbia break down their training into three blocks. New Westminster Police training consists of Block I , Block II , and Block III .
Florida Law Enforcement Academy Occupational Completion Points
- Various laws including constitutional law, criminal law, and traffic law
- Defensive tactics
| Interactions in a Diverse Community Interviewing and Report Writing CMS Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations CMS First Aid for Criminal Justice Officers CMS Criminal Justice Firearms CMS Criminal Justice Defensive Tactics Dart-Firing Stun Gun Criminal Justice Officer Physical Fitness Training/Law Enforcement | 10 hrs |
- Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission for Law Enforcement
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How Do I Apply To The Law Enforcement Certificate Program
If you wish to attend the law enforcement academy at Gulf Coast State College:
Consult the Gulf Coast State College Catalog for specific program and course information.
Th Le Basic Law Enforcement
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 and participate in the CJSTC Fitness Program. See Rules 11B-35.001 and 11B-35.0024, FAC .
Course Type: Law Enforcement
Class Dates: Nov 12, 2021 – Apr 21, 2022
Registration Dates: Aug 30, 2021 – Oct 1, 2021
Times: 0800, 0700, 0900, 700, 1300, 800,
Classrooms: TBA, PT Area, Driving Range, RANGE, DT Room
Instructors: Paul Blanchard, Erica Rich, , Raymond Beiner, Brian Jones, Scott Lineberger, Rafael Rodrigo, Robert Vishion, Angela Leavens, Robert Vishion, Andrew Satterlee, Roman Serrano
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What Is Covered In Police Academy Training
Police academy training and police recruit training covers a wide range of skills that are taught in both classroom and practical settings.
Some skills that are covered in police academy training include:
- Firearms handling and proficiency
Law Enforcement Degrees & Training
| Masters | Online |
|---|---|
| The police department I want to work for doesnt require anything more than a high school diploma. However, they prefer recruits to have some legal-related postsecondary college credits before enrolling in the academy. | |
| Im working full time as a police officer right now. I know I need to get another degree to increase my chances of getting promoted within my department, but my work schedule is so varied that I dont have the ability to take classes on a set schedule. | |
| I dont know exactly where Id like to end up as a police officer, but I do know I want the potential for advancement, to give myself the best chance of being hired and to be eligible for federal law enforcement positions, such as at the DEA or FBI. | |
| I hope to someday take a leadership position within law enforcement, even becoming a police captain or police chief. | |
| I would like to gain additional knowledge about law enforcement. Many departments I intend to apply to require applicants to have several dozen college credits, if not a full degree. |
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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 and participate in the CJSTC Fitness Program. See Rules 11B-35.001 and 11B-35.0024, FAC .
Course Type: Law Enforcement
Class Dates: Feb 22, 2022 – Jul 12, 2022
Registration Dates: Nov 19, 2021 – Jan 7, 2022
Times: 700, 0800, 1300, 0900, , 0700, 800
Classrooms: 13-009, Driving Range, Range, , DT Room, PT Area
Instructors: , Dennis Eads
How To Gain Experience Before Becoming A Police Officer
If you are looking to start your careers in law enforcement but dont want to make the financial and time commitment to the academy just yet, you have options.
For example, many aspiring police officers start their careers in security to gain experience that will help get them into law enforcement careers.
Paladin Security offers exceptional training, which gives police academy candidates a leg up.
Paladin offers training that is done in partnership with local law enforcement like the Vancouver Police Department, with our security officers training alongside real police officers in skills such as combat fighting techniques like jujitsu.
Paladin Security officer training includes:
- Basic Security Training
- Management of Aggressive Behaviour
- Active shooter situations
- Investigations and crime scene protection
- Note-taking and report writing
- Radio use
- Mobile alarm response
- Responding to opioid overdoses
- Traffic control methods
- Pre-assignment security officer training
- Security officer orientation and sight training
If you want a quick way to get into a career that doesnt waste your time, consider joining Paladin to jumpstart your career in law enforcement.
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Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Academy
The Law Enforcement Academy is a selective admission program. Please visit the “Selection Center” page for application procedures. Student-recruits wear Academy uniforms and participate in a highly structured and disciplined classroom environment.The Law Enforcement Academy is eligible for financial aid.Selection CenterThis is a selective admission program. Acceptance is based on successful completion of the selection process.A few of the possible agency options are:
- Police Departments
Equivalency Of Training Process
This process is intended for out-of-state officers, federal or military officers, and previously certified Florida officers with a four-year or more break in service pursuant to section 943.131. An officer cannot have more than an 8-year break in service in order to be eligible for this process. The Equivalency of Training Process allows an officer to be exempt from the full basic recruit academy.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Worked for at least one year as a full time sworn officer in the discipline that you are seeking
- Attended an academy comparable to Florida’s basic recruit full-time academy or
- Were previously certified in Florida
Once approved, you will receive an Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76.
You will then need to demonstrate proficiency in the high liability areas and pass the state certification exam in the same discipline within 1-year of receipt of the approved Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76.
You can attend the 92-hour high liability courses at the following local locations:
Miami-Dade Police Academy – Main Number 305-715-5000
You must take and successfully complete your State Officer Certification Exam We process EOTs here at Broward College but currently do not offer any of the courses needed to complete the EOT. In addition, your $295.00 processing fee does not include the high-liability courses you must demonstrate proficiency in or your State Officer Certification Exam. Those are additional fees.
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Police Training Academies In Florida
All police candidates must attend an approved police training academy. Know that some Florida police departments require candidates to complete all or part of basic training at their own expense. For non-certified candidates, the program is 25 weeks. For those who already hold a Florida Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission Certificate, an eight-week transitional academy is typically available.
There are a number of accredited police academies in Florida, including:
- Broward County Sheriffs Office Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Citrus County Public Safety Training Center Inverness, FL
- Criminal Justice Academy of Osceola Kissimmee, FL
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tallahassee, FL
- Miami Police Training Center Miami, FL
See a complete list of Florida police training centers through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.