Overview
Welcome to the application process for the Santa Fe College Institute of Public Safety Law Enforcement Academy. The Law Enforcement (LE) Academy (VC7702) prepares students as entry-level law enforcement officers in Florida. The coursework is regulated by Florida statutes and is a highly-structured and disciplined program with special rules, policies, and procedures. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, and be selected to be in the academy.
The program is 40 hours per week, spans two semesters, and consist of 770 course hours. Students can expect to learn practical skills through classroom instruction and participate in a variety of training scenario/simulation exercises. The curriculum was developed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and consists of 12 chapters of training including legal issues, human diversity, firearms, and other topics that FDLE mandates. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the FDLE State Officer Certification Exam.
Steps to Apply
Selection for the academy is extremely competitive. Complete all steps 1 through 4 before Application Deadline in order to be considered for the LE Academy.
Step 1: Sign up and take the BAT Test
To find a testing center near you go to www.pearsonvue.com Search 'Florida Department of Law Enforcement Basic Abilities Test' and select the correct discipline (Law Enforcement or Corrections). This is a pass/fail computerized test. You must pass the FBAT test in order to apply for academy.
Step 2: Make an Applicant Processing Appointment
By Appointment Only
Point of Contact: JoAnn Svedas
Schedule an appointment with Ms. Svedas and submit below items:
- Application Fee: $123 (Payable to 'Santa Fe College' This is Non-Refundable).
- If you are sponsored, the sponsoring agency needs to provide a sponsorship letter to get fee waived.
- Copy of CJBAT (Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test)
- Copy of High School Diploma, Social Security Card
- Copy of Valid Driver’s License, Birth Certificate
- Application Photo - Take a photo of yourself, shoulder and up with white background with your cell and email to joann.svedas@sfcollege.edu.
- Copy of DD214 and VMET if prior military service member
- Honesty Statement and 58 Authority for Release of Information Notarized (Have medical doctor sign for; 75 Physical Assessment page and Basic Recruit Physical Training Program Plan page to clear you for all physical fitness while you are in the academy)
- If you are sponsored, the sponsoring agency will provide a physician-signed copy of the CJSTC-75 Physical Assessment Form along with Training Program Plan page. If you are self-sponsored, you are required to submit these documents.
Step 3: Complete Academy Application 'Pobits'
Points of Contact: Sally Anderson and Katie Murphy James
Once you complete steps 1 and 2 above:
- You will receive an email invitation to the online IPS Application system POBITS (Peace Officer Background Investigation Tracking System).
- Review the POBITS Candidate Overview video before beginning the application.
- Your POBITS access will expire 14 days after you receive the email invitation.
- Ensure you validate all information in your PHS and complete. You do not have to upload all supplemental forms. Once completed, submit your application. Please note that your access to POBITS will be revoked permanently once PHS is submitted
Step 4: Apply for Admission
Points of Contact: Sally Anderson and Katie Murphy James
- Apply for admission to SF using our online application.
- Select the admission status, "Transfer" or "Freshman", then select "Certificate in Law Enforcement: VC-7702" as your Primary.
- Choose Term based on your academy start date (i.e.- March Spring; July Summer; Oct. Fall)
- Once you are admitted, log onto eSantaFe using your SF ID and password. View “My Status” to make sure all items are completed, such as Florida residency, Registration Stops, etc.
- Once completed, email your SF ID number to Advising Specialist/Background Investigator Sayuri "Sally" Anderson or Katie Murphy James
Apply for the Lee Family IPS Scholarship (optional)
Learn more about the Lee Family IPS Scholarship on the SF Foundation Scholarships website.
Sayuri "Sally" Anderson
Academic Advisor/Investigator
- sayuri.anderson@sfcollege.edu
- 352-271-2925
- Santa Fe College Institute of Public Safety, 3737 NE 39th Ave, Gainesville FL 32609
Katie Murphy James
Advising Specialist
- katie.murphy@sfcollege.edu
- 352-271-2902
- Kirkpatrick Center, IA-107B
Upcoming Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Class
March 2021 - BRC 152
Scheduled to Start | Scheduled Hours (subject to change) | Accepting Applications | Deadline | Orientation | Cost |
March 15, 2021 | 1300 - 2200 | October 19, 2020 | January 15 | February 1 | $4,300-$5,000 |
June 2021 - BRC 153
Scheduled to Start | Scheduled Hours (subject to change) | Accepting Applications | Deadline | Orientation | Cost |
June 28, 2021 | 1300 - 2200 | February 1, 2021 | April 15 | June 1 | $4,300-$5,000 |
Upcoming Crossover Class Correction to Law Enforcement Class
Scheduled to Start | Scheduled Hours (subject to change) | Accepting Applications | Deadline | Orientation |
TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Upcoming Correction Class
Scheduled to Start | Scheduled Hours (subject to change) | Accepting Applications | Deadline | Orientation |
TBD | TBD |