Law Enforcement Academy
Law Enforcement Academy
Start Dates
Spring/Summer/Fall
Credits/Program Length
12 Credits / <16 Weeks
Estimated Cost
$1,869
(subject to change without notice)
Mode/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, essential learning objectives, and Physical & Defensive Tactics.
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 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!
What you will learn
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
Completing the LEO certification will qualify you to work for the following agencies:
- Utah City Police Officer
- Deputy Sheriff
- State Highway Patrol
Law Enforcement Academy Entrance Process
1. SCHEDULE INFORMATION MEETING
The Information 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
Utah State Law requires all persons entering the police academy to submit fingerprints and pass a background check. Fees apply. Fingerprints can be done M-F 9 am - 3 pm.
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
How do I get into the college and into the Law Enforcement Academy?
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 801-957-5431 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.
What is the difference between the SFO and the LEO training and do I have to take SFO before LEO?
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.
Is Financial Aid available for the Law Enforcement Academy?
Yes, Financial Aid is available for those who qualify, and for those who have selected a Criminal Justice area of study.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 Application
Complete 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.