CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE
The Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) at Indian River State College provides academy training, certification pathways, and advanced professional development for law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice professionals. Located at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex, the Institute delivers hands-on, scenario-based instruction aligned with state standards and agency needs.
AT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTE, YOU WILL…
- Participate in hands-on, scenario-based instruction that reflects real-world conditions
- Learn from experienced instructors with extensive field and leadership backgrounds
- Build skills that support certification, career advancement, and long-term professional growth
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
- Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Academy
- Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Academy
- Crossover Programs
- Advanced & Specialized Training
Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Academy
The Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Academy prepares individuals for certification as law enforcement officers in the State of Florida. The program combines classroom instruction, physical training, and practical exercises aligned with state and Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission requirements.
Key Focus Areas
- Criminal law and procedure
- Patrol operations
- Defensive tactics and firearms
- Ethics and professional conduct
Action
- Register for the Law Enforcement Academy
Criminal Justice Selection Center
Selective Admission Required for Certain Training Programs
The Criminal Justice Selection Center is an affiliate of the Criminal Justice Institute at Indian River State College. Its role is to process applicants through required evaluations to determine whether they meet the highest standards of honesty, accountability, integrity, and professionalism expected of first responders in the State of Florida.
Applicants seeking admission to the Law Enforcement Academy must first be processed through the Selection Center. These academies are Selective Admission Programs.
Applicants are required to review all Selection Center materials in their entirety. Academy schedules and costs are subject to change.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all minimum requirements, including:
- At least 19 years of age by academy completion for Law Enforcement
- At least 18 years of age for Corrections
- United States citizenship
- High school diploma or state-issued GED (or equivalent approved by FDLE)
- Valid driver’s license
- Florida driver’s license required at academy entry
- Good moral character, as defined in the Selection Center Policy Manual
- No felony convictions or disqualifying misdemeanors
- No dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces
- No falsification of application or personal history documents
- No marijuana use (including medical marijuana) within one year prior to application
- No driver’s license suspension within one year prior to application (limited exceptions apply)
Additional requirements are outlined in the Pre-Admissions Policy Manual.
Step 1: Testing
Applicants must successfully complete:
Basic Abilities Test (BAT)
- Score valid for 4 years
- Fee: $39.00
- Register online
- COBAT for Corrections / LEBAT for Law Enforcement
- Administered in Room 127 at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex
Physical Agility Test (PAT)
- Score valid for 6 months
- Fee: $40.00
- Original medical waiver required
- IRSC PAT only (outside PATs not accepted)
- Late arrivals (over 10 minutes) will not be permitted to test
Step 2: Application
Applicants must pass the BAT (or qualify for exemption) and schedule the PAT before submitting an application.
- Applications may be typed or handwritten
- CJSTC-75 form must be completed by a licensed physician
- Preliminary Form must be submitted after completing the application
- Incomplete or inaccurate applications will not be accepted
Step 3: Processing
Applicants moving forward must complete additional processing.
Processing Fee:
- $600 (Region XI Selection Center)
- Non-refundable
- Do not submit payment until appointment confirmation
Processing may include background investigation, interview, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, and administrative fees.
Important Documents
- CJI Request for Information – FAQs
- Pre-Admissions Policy Manual
- Schedule of Academies
- Cost of Academies
- Selection Center Application
- Law Enforcement & Corrections Application Packet
- Academy Recruit Policy Manual
Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Academy
The Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Academy provides required training for individuals pursuing careers in corrections. Instruction emphasizes safety, security, legal standards, and professionalism within correctional environments.
Key Focus Areas
- Correctional operations
- Legal responsibilities
- Communication and control techniques
- Officer safety and ethics
Action
- Register for the Corrections Academy
Criminal Justice Selection Center
Selective Admission Required for Certain Training Programs
The Criminal Justice Selection Center is an affiliate of the Criminal Justice Institute at Indian River State College. Its role is to process applicants through required evaluations to determine whether they meet the highest standards of honesty, accountability, integrity, and professionalism expected of first responders in the State of Florida.
Applicants seeking admission to the Law Enforcement Academy must first be processed through the Selection Center. These academies are Selective Admission Programs.
Applicants are required to review all Selection Center materials in their entirety. Academy schedules and costs are subject to change.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all minimum requirements, including:
- At least 19 years of age by academy completion for Law Enforcement
- At least 18 years of age for Corrections
- United States citizenship
- High school diploma or state-issued GED (or equivalent approved by FDLE)
- Valid driver’s license
- Florida driver’s license required at academy entry
- Good moral character, as defined in the Selection Center Policy Manual
- No felony convictions or disqualifying misdemeanors
- No dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces
- No falsification of application or personal history documents
- No marijuana use (including medical marijuana) within one year prior to application
- No driver’s license suspension within one year prior to application (limited exceptions apply)
Additional requirements are outlined in the Pre-Admissions Policy Manual.
Step 1: Testing
Applicants must successfully complete:
Basic Abilities Test (BAT)
- Score valid for 4 years
- Fee: $39.00
- Register online
- COBAT for Corrections / LEBAT for Law Enforcement
- Administered in Room 127 at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex
Physical Agility Test (PAT)
- Score valid for 6 months
- Fee: $40.00
- Original medical waiver required
- IRSC PAT only (outside PATs not accepted)
- Late arrivals (over 10 minutes) will not be permitted to test
Step 2: Application
Applicants must pass the BAT (or qualify for exemption) and schedule the PAT before submitting an application.
- Applications may be typed or handwritten
- CJSTC-75 form must be completed by a licensed physician
- Preliminary Form must be submitted after completing the application
- Incomplete or inaccurate applications will not be accepted
Step 3: Processing
Applicants moving forward must complete additional processing.
Processing Fee:
- $600 (Region XI Selection Center)
- Non-refundable
- Do not submit payment until appointment confirmation
Processing may include background investigation, interview, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation, and administrative fees.
Important Documents
- CJI Request for Information – FAQs
- Pre-Admissions Policy Manual
- Schedule of Academies
- Cost of Academies
- Selection Center Application
- Law Enforcement & Corrections Application Packet
- Academy Recruit Policy Manual
Selection Center Contact
Jaime Raya
Selection Center
Phone: 772-462-7961
Email: jraya@irsc.edu
Crossover Programs
Crossover programs are designed for already-certified officers seeking to transition between law enforcement and corrections roles in accordance with state requirements.
Who Should Apply
- Certified law enforcement officers transitioning to corrections
- Certified correctional officers transitioning to law enforcement
Action
- Learn more about Crossover Programs
Jaime Raya
Selection Center
Phone: 772-462-7961
Email: jraya@irsc.edu
Advanced & Specialized Training
(Certified professionals only)
The Criminal Justice Institute provides advanced and specialized training for veteran officers and criminal justice agency personnel. These courses support skill enhancement, leadership development, and specialized operational competencies.
Eligibility Requirement
Advanced & Specialized Training is not open to the public. Participants must be a certified law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or employee of a criminal justice agency.
Class Registration
Classes are offered throughout the year and class sizes are limited.
For the latest Advanced & Specialized Training courses, please see the flyer(s) below.
Non-College Credit Certificates
Two certificate programs are also available if specific class requirements are met.
Detective Academy
Are you a current law enforcement officer looking to strengthen your investigation skills?
The Detective Academy Certificate is 240-hours of comprehensive study of investigations philosophy and practical application. These specially selected FDLE-approved courses will strengthen current and aspiring detectives’ abilities to investigate crimes, close cases, and help successfully prosecute criminal offenders.
Academy Courses
To earn the Investigator Certificate, students must complete all of the courses and then apply for graduation.
- Introduction to Investigations (formerly Detective Academy) (40 hours)
- Interviews & Interrogations (40 hours)
- Case Preparation & Court Presentation (40 hours)
- Injury & Death Investigations (40 hours)
- Conducting Background Investigations (40 hours)
- Domestic Intervention & Investigation (40 hours)
Class Registration
These courses are NOT open to the public. You must be a certified law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or employee of a criminal justice agency.
Classes are offered throughout the year and class sizes are limited.
Leadership Academy
Are you a law enforcement or correctional officer, or non-sworn agency member looking to strengthen your leadership skills?
The Leadership Academy is 288-hours of comprehensive study in supervisory and management philosophies, as well as their practical application. This specially selected set of six FDLE-approved courses will strengthen aspiring and current leaders’ abilities to inspire and influence others, and prepare for positions of greater responsibility.
Academy Courses
To earn the Leadership Academy certificate, students must complete all of the courses and then apply for graduation. To maximize learning and success, it is strongly recommended that the classes be taken sequentially, as listed. Most courses have pre-requisites, however, requests for exemptions may be presented for consideration.
- CJ Leader Ethics (24 hours)
- Line Supervision (80 hours)
- Middle Management (40 hours)
- Building & Maintaining a Sound Behavioral Climate (40 hours)
- Developing & Maintaining a Sound Organization (40 hours)
Class Registration
These courses are NOT open to the public. You must be a certified law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or employee of a criminal justice agency.
Classes are offered throughout the year and class sizes are limited.
Important Documents
- Advanced & Specialized Training Schedule(pdf)
- CJAT Course Descriptions(pdf)
- 11B-35.006 Advanced Training Program(pdf)
Events & Special Training Opportunities
- COMMAND LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE(pdf)
- EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE(pdf)
- SUPERVISOR LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE(pdf)
- WIDE AREA SEARCH(pdf)
- ADVANCED TACTICAL SWAT COURSE(pdf)
- DIGITAL GUARDIANS: ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN ONLINE CHILD EXPLOITATION INVESTIGATIONS(pdf)
- PROACTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA INVESTIGATIONS(pdf)
- CANINE TEAM TRAINING INSTRUCTOR COURSE(pdf)
Program Information
Krissy Faulk
Advanced & Specialized Training Coordinator
Phone: 772-462-7975
Email: kfaulk@irsc.edu
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WE’RE HERE TO HELP
Interested in learning more about how The River’s criminal justice programs can help you reach your career goals? Reach out to get more information or speak to an admissions counselor.
Program Information
Pierre Pacheco
Criminal Justice Institute Director
Phone: 772-462-7949
Email: ppacheco@irsc.edu
