Law Enforcement—Academy Track Program

The safety and well-being of our nation's citizens greatly depends on the law enforcement officers responsible for enforcing statutes, laws and regulations. Duties vary widely by the size and type of organization, but in most jurisdictions, whether on or off duty, law enforcement officers are expected to exercise their authority whenever necessary. In addition, they spend considerable time writing reports and maintaining records that are needed when legal actions require them to testify in court.

IRSC offers a two-year Law Enforcement Academy Track in a para-military format, which is designed to provide students with the skills, abilities, and education for a successful law-enforcement career. This dual track program will expose the student to a strong educational foundation in collegiate-level general education and major field criminal justice courses while receiving training in law enforcement structure and discipline. During this program, students will complete an Associate in Science Degree in Criminal Justice and, in their final semester, participate in the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Academy.

Participation in this final phase of training will be solely dependent on the student successfully completing the Selection Center process as required by all persons prior to entrance into the Basic Law Enforcement Recruit Academy.

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.

Law Enforcement Academy Track Program Application Process

The Law Enforcement Academy Track Program is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an application is turned in and it is determined that the applicant qualifies, they will receive a seat in the upcoming available class. Space in the program is limited.

The Law Enforcement Academy Track Program begins in August. Applications can be submitted beginning January 1 of each year.

1. Apply to IRSC.
2. Complete the Law Enforcement Academy Track Program application.
3. Once both have been completed, schedule an appointment to turn in your application in, get interviewed and verify the admissions process.

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.

Criminal Justice Technology A.S.

Students in the Law Enforcement Academy Track complete an Associate in Science Degree in Criminal Justice and, in their final semester, participate in the Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Academy. For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.

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.

Career Coach Employment Outlook

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