Florida Law Enforcement Academy—Basic Recruit Training
The Florida Law Enforcement Academy at IRSC offers non-degree career training programs for individuals seeking law enforcement basic recruit career training, auxiliary police training, or crossover corrections to law enforcement training. Students who are also interested in pursing an Associate Degree, should consider the Criminal Justice Technology—LE Track A.S.
IRSC does not offer the Class “G” Firearms Course.
The Indian River State College Criminal Justice Institute is certified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to conduct authorized Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission courses.
Once You Complete the Program
Opportunities for employment are available in law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, juvenile courts, social service agencies, crime laboratories and security agencies.
Getting Started
Prospective students should visit the Criminal Justice Selection Center website or call 772-462-7961 for additional information before applying.
Academy Selection Center
The Academy Selection Center is an affiliate of the IRSC Criminal Justice Institute. The sole purpose of the Selection Center is to test applicants through various means to determine if the applicant is trainable and if the applicant possesses those traits that might make them hirable after academy training. Students applying to the Law Enforcement Academy or Corrections Academy must first be processed through the Academy Selection Center.
Law Enforcement and Corrections Training is a selective-admissions program. Applicants must complete the selection procedures outlined below prior to acceptance into these training programs. Applicants who meet the minimum criteria in all areas will be scheduled for the next available Academy.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Florida Law Enforcement Academy Basic Recruit Career Training
The IRSC Florida Law Enforcement Academy 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.
- Be at least 19 years of age by the time of academy completion.
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Have graduated from High School or have obtained a state-issued GED® certificate or equivalent, as determined acceptable by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
- Possess a valid driver license. The applicant must have a valid Florida Driver License at the time of the academy entry.
- Be of good moral character, as defined in the Selection Center Policy Manual.
- Not have been convicted of ANY felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statements as the terms are defined by law, regardless of whether or not adjudication has been withheld.
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States.
- Not have falsified their application or personal history forms.
- Not have used marijuana for one year prior to application. This must have been experimental use only.
- Not have ever used, transported, grown, manufactured or sold any illegal substance other than the marijuana exception as previously noted.
- Not have had a suspended driver license for one yeara; prior to application (except for DMV or financial errors).
- Other eligibility requirements are defined in greater depth in the Selection Center Policy Manual.
- Successfully pass the Basic Abilities Test (BAT) and Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education (ACE) and administered exclusively by GED Testing Service LLC under license.
Applicants must complete and pass a multi-step application process to be accepted. Students applying to the Corrections Academy must first be processed through the Academy Selection Center.
Prior to the beginning of the selection process, the applicant must successfully pass:
- Basic Abilities Test ($39.00) Register and pay for the test through Pearson Vue—BAT score is valid for four years
- Physical Abilities Test ($40.00) Register Now—PAT score is valid for 6 months
Once testing (step one) is successfully completed, the selection process will begin. Please allow at least 90 days prior to the projected start of an Academy. The following forms are required:
Please find all the forms listed below on the TCPSTC Selection Center site.
- Personal History Questionnaire*
- CJSTC form 58**
- CJSTC form 75
- Selection Center Policy Manual
*A medical examination from a licensed physician is required with the Personal History Questionnaire but is not included as part of the Selection Center testing fee.
**An applicant must sign a Release of Information Form; this permits the Region XI Selection Center to release information to Criminal Justice agencies that are seeking prospective employees. Region XI Criminal Justice agencies include all police departments, sheriff’s offices, and state correctional agencies located in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie Counties. Region XI agencies may hire and screen individuals through their own pre-screening processes, as well. Neither IRSC, the Criminal Justice Institute or the Selection Center are hiring or employment agencies.
Applicants must schedule an appointment with the Selection Center Coordinator to return their Personal History Questionnaire. Please call 772-462-7961 to schedule this appointment.
The Region XI Selection Center testing processing fee is $545.00, which includes:
- Polygraph Examination
- Psychological Examination
- Criminal History Check
- Fingerprint
- Background Investigation
An additional fee will be charged by the St. Lucie County Court House of $25.00 for a drug screen. All tests except the medical examination will be scheduled by Selection Center Personnel.
Law Enforcement Officer Crossover from Correctional Officer Career Training
IRSC also offers training for individuals currently certified in corrections who are looking to crossover into law enforcement. The program is generally offered when there is a demand by students or regional agencies. The Crossover from Corrections to Law Enforcement training takes consists of 585 hours and takes approximately eight months to complete. For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.
For more information visit the Crossover webpage. For Crossover program information contact the Selection Center at 772-462-7961.
Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex
The Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex at Indian River State College (IRSC) is one of the most comprehensive, technologically advanced public safety training facilities in the nation. The 50-acre, eight-building Complex has gained national and international attention for its proactive approach to disaster prevention, response, recovery and relief. The Complex enables IRSC to combine criminal justice, fire science, emergency management, public administration, paralegal and human services education in one place for a coordinated response to all types of emergencies. This innovation in public service education provides students with access to quality instruction, integrating academics, technology and practical applications that lead to degrees and certifications in the public service sector.
At a local level, the proximity of the Complex to public safety agencies helps Treasure Coast communities save money on continuing education and enables them to easily work together to fine tune interagency response to hurricanes and other natural and man-made disasters. At a national level, specialized training and workshops attract thousands of public service professionals from around the nation. IRSC has hosted federal agencies for training to prepare for large-scale events.
