Law Enforcement/Corrections Programs

The Law Enforcement (LE) and Corrections (CO) Academies prepares students as entry-level law enforcement or corrections 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 LE Academy is 40 hours per week, spans two semesters, and consist of 770 course hours. The CO Academy is 40 hours per week and consists of 420 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 subjects such as 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.

Candidate Selection

The selection of candidates for the law enforcement or detention academy is based on a point system, with points awarded relative to the results of the criminal history, background investigation, driving record, drug history, advanced educational degrees, and military service. If not immediately selected for admittance into the law enforcement or detention academy, candidates who have successfully completed all of the requirements will remain in the applicant pool; however, re-testing and fingerprint background will be required at an additional expense.

Requirements

To be eligible for the position of a law enforcement or detention officer, you must meet the following criteria in Florida Statutes 943.13.

Apply

• Apply to SF College by going to sfcollege.edu/admissions and clicking on the “Apply Now” button.
• Select “Certificate in Law Enforcement: VC-7702” as your PRIMARY
• Once you are admitted, log onto the SF College eSantaFe website (located at https://ss2.sfcollege.edu/eSantaFe) using your SF ID and password.
• Once logged in, please click on the "My Status" button to ensure all items (such as FL residency, Registration Stops, etc.) are completed.
• Once completed, email your SF ID number and expression of interest to:
  • Advising Specialist/Background Investigator
    Sayuri "Sally" Anderson
    sayuri.anderson@sfcollege.edu

LE Academy Application

Once Ms. Anderson receives your email, the following will take place:

• You will receive further application details and 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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ziv4ZfBv8H8&t=276s
• Log on and complete the POBITS Personal History Statement (PHS). PHS is your application to LE Academy.
• Your POBITS access will expire 14 days after you receive the email invitation.
• Ensure you validate all information in your PHS and complete/upload all supplemental forms. Once completed, submit your application. Please note that your access to POBITS will be revoked permanently once PHS is submitted.
• After the PHS is submitted, please contact Ms. Anderson and make an appointment for the Applicant Processing Appointment (APA).

Applicant Processing Appointment (APA)

During the two (2) to four (4) hour APA you will:

• Sit and take the Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT) online. Please note all applicants must pass the FBAT as part of the application process.
• Provide fingerprints.
• Be scheduled for a drug screening.
• Be interviewed by the Background Investigator.
• Pay all application fees. Fees can be paid via Cashier’s Check, Money Order, or Credit Card. All are non-refundable (In-State Application Fee: $123; Out-of-State Application Fee: $225)

Lee Family IPS Scholarship

Contacts