Law Enforcement Academy
Law Enforcement Academy
Start Dates
Spring/Summer/Fall
Credits/Program Length
SFO: 9 Credits
LEO: 12 Credits
Estimated Cost
SFO: $1,391
LEO: $1,588
(subject to change without notice)
Campus
Financial Aid
Yes
Program Overview
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: TELE 1010 Special Function Officer (SFO) Module 1, followed by TELE 1030 Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Module 2 (Must be 19 to graduate SFO and 21 to graduate LEO).
Career Training Steps
SFO Training
Classroom-based instruction covering Utah Code, ethics, wellness, Physical & Defensive Tactics, and more.
LEO Training
Advanced hands-on instruction including scenario training, firearms, building clearing, and additional certifications.
IMPORTANT NOTE: SFO must be completed prior to enrollment in LEO.
ATTENTION: MUST submit POST application AT LEAST 4 weeks prior to class start.
What you will learn
Completing the SFO certification will qualify you to work for the following agencies within the state of Utah:
- State or County Correctional Officer - with Basic Correction Officer Certification
- Court Bailiff
- Auxiliary Officer
- Constable
- Animal Control
- Department of Professional License
- Insurance Fraud
Completing the LEO certification will qualify you to work for the following agencies within the state of Utah:
- City Police Department
- County Sheriff
- Utah State Highway Patrol
- Division of Natural Resources
- State Bureau of Investigation
- State Fire Marshall
- Attorney General's Office
- Adult Probation & Parole
- Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division and other state agencies
Law Enforcement Academy Entrance Process
1. SCHEDULE GROUP MEETING
A group meeting allows potential cadets to meet with the program staff and learn about the program and ask questions. To schedule, click here. Information meetings are available on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month.
2.FINGERPRINTING AND BACKGROUND
Available Monday-Friday 9-4. No appointment necessary.
3. COMPLETE THE POST APPLICATION
Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) is the authorizing agency to grant admittance into any law enforcement program. Application reviews can take several weeks and fees apply
4. TAKE THE NPOST
The National Police Officer Selection Test (NPOST) is a 1.5 hour entry-level basic skills exam with four scored sections - Math, Reading Comprehension Grammar, and Incident Report Writing (70% required to pass). To schedule, click here.
5. SL TECH APPLICATION
All students are required to complete an application to become a student of Salt Lake Technical College. To apply as a student, click here. Once Utah POST has approved the application, students can register for the class.
6. MEDICAL RELEASE
Once a student is accepted into the Law Enforcement Academy, students must complete a medical release and submit the form prior to the first day of class.
FAQs
Do you have a daytime Law Enforcement Academy?
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.
What is the difference between the Law Enforcement Academy and the Criminal Justice education program?
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.
What is the difference between POST and SLCC Law Enforcement Academy?
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.
Can in-service training count for college credit?
Completion of the Law Enforcement Academy provides up to 21 elective credits. 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.
PROGRAM QUALIFICATIONS
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.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement
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.
Contact Us
Career Coach
Tuition & Financial Aid
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST
SFO
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $1,391
TUITION: $891
UNIFORM & PT GEAR: $400
FINGERPRINTING & BACKGROUND CHECK: $100
LEO
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST: $1,588
TUITION: $1188
UNIFORM & PT GEAR (if you don't already have it): $400
Estimated total program costs include tuition, fees, lab fees, books, and required materials. Fees for third-party licensure or certification examinations are not included in the total program cost.
Financial Aid
Most SLTech programs qualify for scholarships, and many are eligible for grants and other educational benefits.
Required Courses
TELE 1010
Special Functions Officer
Credit Hours: 12
Semester: All
TELE 1030
Law Enforcement Officer
Credit Hours: 12
Semester: All
REGISTRATION STEPS
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.)
HOW TO APPLY
STEP 1: Submit SLCC Tech Application
Apply NowComplete your admissions application.
Once you receive your student number (S#), meet with an Advisor.
STEP 2: Meet with an Advisor
Schedule an appointment (in-person, phone, or video call):
801-957-4978 Schedule OnlineProgram costs, schedules, and requirements are subject to change. Salt Lake Community College and Salt Lake Technical College are equal opportunity institutions and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, protected veteran status, or other protected status in admissions, educational programs, or employment.