Law Enforcement Academy
The Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) Law Enforcement Academy (LEA) is an authorized satellite academy of the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). The academy is overseen and regulated by Utah POST providing satellite academies with the same learning objectives and training. Graduating students will receive certification as a Utah Peace Officer as defined in Utah Code Annotated 53-13-101(2). Please visit Utah Department of Public Safety for additional information.
The SLCC satellite academy is for those who wish to gain a Law Enforcement Officer certification as a self-sponsored student by attending two training modules as a SLCC student. The courses must be taken in order for certification: CJ 1910 Special Function Officer (SFO) Module 1, followed by CJ 1920 Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Module 2 (Must be 19 to graduate SFO and 21 to graduate LEO).
ATTENTION: MUST START ENROLLMENT PROCESS AT LEAST 5 WEEKS BEFORE SEMESTER STARTS!
Students are required to complete a GENERAL application to enter these programs. This includes providing detailed personal information, academic history, and other pertinent documentation showcasing your qualifications and readiness for the program. Select from the programs below and APPLY TODAY!
New student’s intent on pursuing a degree program should apply for Admission and go through the testing process for Math and English placement.
Individuals interested in the Law Enforcement Academy should also complete the Admissions process, as well as, the application for training through the Institute for Public Safety Department located at Larry H. Miller Campus, 9750 South 300 West. Students will have to pass a background check to be enrolled. Call 801-957-5217 to set up a Group Interview - a one-hour meeting with the Program Coordinator and other peers where you will discuss the registration process, what to expect in the classes, see if you qualify to attend, and how to properly fill out the POST application (background check that you send to the state). Utah POST will determine if you are Approved or Denied from attending the academy.
SFO covers Utah code and other learning objectives in a classroom setting, along with some Physical and Defensive Tactic training. LEO includes these subjects as well as hands-on scenario training, firearms training, building clearing, and many other certifications.
SFO completion is required for LEO entrance.
Yes, Financial Aid is available for those who qualify, and for those who have selected a Criminal Justice area of study.
No, we only offer the night time evening academy. This schedule is helpful for those who wish to maintain their full-time day jobs. Certifying through our academy prior to applying to departments makes you more marketable.
The Law Enforcement Academy is focused on training for entry-level Law Enforcement Officers. A significant portion of the training is hands-on and covers topics such as firearms, arrest and control techniques, and emergency vehicle operation. The SFO and LEO program takes two college semesters to complete and become a certifiable peace officer in the state of Utah.
The Criminal Justice program is academic based and broader in its focus covering additional areas such as Criminology, Ethics and Psychology of Criminal Behavior. Although the program has a lot of practical application, it is not hands-on.
Students who complete the SFO and LEO training or hold a Peace Officer Certification receive 24 elective Criminal Justice credits. Note that only 15 elective hours are required for the Associate of Science Degree.
POST offers training during the day for employees sponsored by their agencies. SLCC Law Enforcement Academy is for self-sponsored individuals who want to receive POST training on their own, making them a more viable candidate for hire. The criteria for both academies are regulated by POST and offered at the same location.
Completion of the Law Enforcement Academy or the Peace Officer Certificate provides 24 hours of elective credits toward an Associate of Applied Science Degree or 24 hours of elective credit toward the Associate of Science Degree. If students have additional Criminal Justice related training or courses, additional credit may be possible and will be awarded on a case-by-case basis.
For more information about this program, please contact the program secretary.
Program Coordinator
Rich Montanez
801-957-5431
richard.montanez@slcc.edu
Program Secretary
Cassandra Drollinger
801-957-5217
cassandra.drollinger@slcc.edu
- CJ 1910 Special Function Reserve Officer
- 12 elective credits towards a Criminal Justice AS or AAS degree
- Approximately 15 weeks in length
- Financial Aid is available for those who qualify
- Night academy Monday-Friday 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Completing the SFO certification will qualify you to work for the following agencies:
- Department of Corrections
- Court Bailiff
- Auxiliary Officer
- Constable
- County Jail Officer
- Animal Control
- Department of Professional License
- Insurance Fraud
- CJ 1920 Peace Officer Basic Training
- 12 elective credits towards a Criminal Justice AS or AAS Degree
- Approximately 17 weeks in length
- Financial Aid is available for those who qualify
- Night academy Monday—Friday 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Pre-Requisite: CJ 1910 Special Function Reserve Officer, or current SFO Certification
Completing the LEO certification will qualify you to work for the following agencies:
- Utah City Police Officer
- Deputy Sheriff
- State Highway Patrol
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| CJ 1910 (SFO) | $2,000 |
| CJ 1920 (LEO) | $3,500 |
| POST Application Fee | $50 |
| Finger Printing Fee | $20 |
| Class Uniform & Equipment (Estimate) | $400 |
| Weapon | Varies |
| Lap Top | Varies |
| Estimated Total: | $6,500 |
| (Tuition and Fees subject to change without notice.) |
Spring 2025 Semester
January 6 - April 10, 2025
January 2 - April 10, 2025
Graduation: April 10, 2025
Summer 2025 Semester
May 05 - August 14, 2025
April 29 - August 14, 2025
Graduation: August 14, 2025
Fall 2025 Semester
September 8 - December 11, 2025
September 2 - December 11, 2025
Graduation: December 11, 2025
Please visit Utah POST Qualifications for the standards and qualifications which must be met in order to be a Peace Officer in the State of Utah.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
- The applicant shall be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States who has been in the United States legally for the five years immediately before the day on which the application is made; and has legal authorization to work in the United States.
- The applicant shall provide proof of citizenship by providing a copy of a birth certificate, or other formal government document indicating United States citizenship.
- Naturalized citizens shall indicate their naturalization number on the application or provide a copy of a current and valid U.S. Passport. Note: Naturalized citizens shall not attach a copy of their naturalization certificate, whereas copying naturalization certificates without permission is a violation of federal law.
- Lawful permanent resident applicants shall provide a photocopy of their lawful permanent resident card that clearly identifies residence for five years immediately preceding the day on which the application is made.
POST Application Deadlines for the SLCC Law Enforcement Academy
4 weeks before the first day of class.
(Be prepared for the application process to take up to two months.)
- Spring Semester: December 9, 2024
- Summer Semester: April 7, 2025
- Fall Semester: August 11, 2025
Step 1: Group Interview
Group Interview is intended to teach potential cadets how to fill out the POST application correctly. One on One time will be available for anyone with questions about their background history. Call 801-957-5217 to schedule your Group Interview.
- Arrive with NPOST results if you have them and professionally dressed—as if attending a job interview.
- Location:
Miller Campus
9750 South 300 West
Public Safety Education and Training Center- Room number will be provided in your emailed confirmation
Step 2: NPOST Test
The National Police Officer Selection Test or NPOST is an exam specifically developed for law enforcement use and is a job-related test. It tests basic skills in four sections: Arithmetic, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Incident Report Writing.
- This exam is 1.5 hours long
- Cost: $50
- Please schedule through SLCC Testing
- One form of physical valid government-issued photo identification. The Testing Center will provide everything necessary to test
Step 3: SLCC Admissions
Admissions, and Orientation are all required for registration.
- Application for Admission
- Online application
- Recommended Degree/Program: CJ-AS or CJ-AAS
- Your Student Number is available online two business days after you apply to SLCC
- New Student Orientation
- Financial Aid (optional)
- Contact the Miller Student Services at 801-957-5417 for assistance with admissions. If you are a returning student, please make sure your student account is eligible for registration.
Step 4: POST Application
Submit your online Application for Training and Certification.
Do not start this step until after your Group Interview.
Required documents listed below may, or may not apply to you based on how you answer the questions in the applications:
- Personal Photograph
- Birth Certificate
- Medical Release Form
- NPOST results if you have them
- High School Diploma (or Equivalent)
- Military DD-214
- Criminal Arrest Records
- Criminal Court Records
- Dispatch Documents
- Out of State Driving Records
Incomplete applications will be sent back to you for correction. Make certain you select Salt Lake Community College as your Academy choice. Sending it to the wrong academy will delay the application process.
Any personal background questions, or concerns please contact Richard Montanez.
Note: If you are not special functions officer certified, please return the SFO registration steps above!
Required Information and Documents
The following information is needed before the Registration Deadlines listed above:
- SLCC Student Number
- SLCC will need the name of the academy you attended and your graduation date
- FEMA certificates:
- IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
- IS-200 ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incident
- IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS)
- NPOST results
- POST ID #
- You will need an updated finger print card
Step 1: Group Interview
- Set up a Group Interview by calling 801-957-5217. Group Interview is intended to teach potential cadets how to fill out the POST application correctly.
- Arrive with NPOST scores and professionally dressed—as if attending a job interview.
- Location:
Miller Campus
9750 South 300 West
Public Safety Education and Training Center- Room will be provided in your emailed confirmation
Step 2: NPOST Test
The National Police Officer Selection Test or NPOST is an exam specifically developed for law enforcement use and is a job-related test. It tests basic skills in four sections: Arithmetic, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Incident Report Writing.
- This exam is 1.5 hours long
- Cost: $35
- Please schedule through SLCC Testing
- One form of physical valid government-issued photo identification. The Testing Center will provide everything necessary to test
Step 3: SLCC Admissions
Admissions, and Orientation are all required for registration.
- Application for Admission
- Online application
- Recommended Degree/Program: CJ-AS or CJ-AAS
- Your Student Number is available online two business days after you apply to SLCC
- New Student Orientation
- Financial Aid (optional)
- Contact the Miller Student Services at 801-957-5417 for assistance with admissions. If you are a returning student, please make sure your student account is eligible for registration.
Step 4: Entrance Testing
- You will need to take a Physical Fitness test if it’s been longer than 6 months.
- You will need to take a Defensive Tactics test if it’s been longer than 6 months.
- LEO entrance exam:
You will be required to pass the LEO Entrance Exam at 80% or higher within three months prior to the beginning of the LEO block of training.- A cadet who has completed basic SFO training and passed the SFO certification exam within 18 months, prior to the beginning of the LEO block, is not required to take the LEO entrance exam.
- A cadet who has successfully passed the SFO reactivation exam within three months, prior to the beginning of the LEO block, is not required to take the LEO entrance exam.
- Test may be taken 2 times, a 2 week waiting period is required to retest a 3rd time.
Step 5: POST Application
Submit your online Application for Training and Certification.
Do not start this step until after your Group Interview.
Required documents listed below may, or may not apply to you based on how you answer the questions in the applications:
- Personal Photograph
- Birth Certificate
- Medical Release Form
- NPOST Results
- High School Diploma (or Equivalent)
- Military DD-214
- Criminal Arrest Records
- Criminal Court Records
- Dispatch Documents
- Out of State Driving Records
Incomplete applications will be sent back to you for correction. Make certain you select Salt Lake Community College as your Academy choice. Sending it to the wrong academy will delay the application process.
Any personal background questions, or concerns please contact Richard Montanez.
Class 105
Class 104
Class 103
Class 102
Class 101
Class 100
Please be advised that law enforcement officers who move to other states have to seek certification through that state’s Peace Officer Standards and Training division, or similar agencies in other states. Law enforcement certification is the exclusive right and responsibility of each state. Before moving out of state, we encourage students to research state law enforcement certification requirements. Here is one research tool: License Finder sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
If you have difficulty finding the law enforcement certification requirements for other states, please contact your academic advisor or SLCC’s State Authorization Coordinator for help.