
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Law enforcement is critical to society’s safety and well-being. Learn what it takes to protect and serve as a law enforcement officer.
AT THE RIVER, YOU WILL…
- Get hands-on experiences at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex, one of the most comprehensive and technologically advanced public safety training facilities in the country
- Be prepared to become a certified law enforcement officer in Florida
- Learn about the range of responsibilities law enforcement officers have, from enforcing laws and regulations to writing reports, maintaining records and testifying in court

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
- Basic Law Enforcement Recruit Training
- Law Enforcement Officer Crossover from Correctional Officer Training
- Law Enforcement Academy Track
Basic Law Enforcement Recruit Training
Career Training & Apprenticeship Programs
Credits or Hours: 684
This is a selective-admissions program. You must complete and pass a multi-step application process to be accepted.
To be admitted to this program, you will need to both apply and complete required tests administered by the Academy Selection Center.
Complete your training as a law enforcement officer in the Criminal Justice Institute’s Florida Law Enforcement Academy. The Criminal Justice Institute is certified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct authorized Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission courses.
As a student recruit, you will learn in a highly structured and disciplined classroom environment. Choose from daytime or evening/weekend options to fit your schedule.
Daytime program: Monday–Friday for 24 weeks
Evening/weekend program: Monday–Thursday and Saturday for 44 weeks
Law Enforcement Officer Crossover from Correctional Officer Training
Career Training & Apprenticeship Programs
Credits or Hours: 585
If you are currently a certified corrections officer, you can enroll in our crossover program to become a law enforcement officer. This program takes eight months to complete and is offered based on demand.
Law Enforcement Academy Track
Career Training & Apprenticeship Programs
Credits or Hours: N/A
This program has selective admissions. You must complete and pass a multi-step application process to be accepted.
The law enforcement academy track is a two-year degree program that will give you the skills, abilities and knowledge for a successful law enforcement career.
In this program, you will complete:
- The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree
- Basic law enforcement recruit academy
You’ll take courses in general education and criminal justice in a para-military format, meaning you will learn within a unit of students in a highly disciplined and team-structured environment.
When you finish this program, you will be eligible to take the State of Florida Law Enforcement Officer Certification Examination and become a law enforcement officer. To enroll in this program, you must apply to Indian River State College and complete the law enforcement academy track program application. This application must be completely filled out.
Once you have completed the application, please contact Richard Dewey to schedule an appointment to bring the application in, be interviewed and verify the admissions process. This is a first-come first first-served program, meaning that seats are awarded in the order that qualified applications are received. Seats are limited, so it’s important to apply as early as possible in the application cycle.
The final semester of this two-year degree program will be the law enforcement basic recruit academy. You must complete all the required tests through the Criminal Justice Institute’s Selection Center before you can begin the basic law enforcement recruit academy. You will also need to meet certain requirements to enroll, such as passing a background check. Review the Selection Center requirements.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
At Indian River State College, our students who study Law Enforcement can go into these careers:
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Interested in learning more about how The River’s programs can help you reach your career goals? Reach out to get more information or speak to an admissions counselor.

NEXT STEPS

APPLY TO THE RIVER
Discover what’s possible at Indian River State College. When you’re ready, our simple application process is here to help you take the next step.

PAYING FOR COLLEGE
We’re here to help you understand your options. From financial aid to scholarships and affordable tuition, The River is committed to making college accessible for everyone.

VISIT CAMPUS
Experience the energy of campus life for yourself. Schedule a tour to explore our facilities, meet students and staff, and discover what makes The River an incredible place to learn and grow.