FAQ's

Public Safety

Question: Where do I begin?

Answer: To start the process, you must pass the Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT). The basic abilities tests were developed to ensure that trainees entering Florida-certified criminal justice training centers possess the requisite abilities to master the curricula and understand the materials presented to them in training. The FBATs versions for potential law enforcement and correctional officers, were designed to provide an accurate assessment of the abilities identified by the FDLE as important for success in training and on the job.

Each of the FBATs includes a measure of the same basic abilities but in different proportions as required for each of the two disciplines. The areas of measurement covered in the FBATs include written comprehension, written expression, oral expression, problem sensitivity, inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, information ordering, spatial orientation, visualization, selective attention and flexibility of closure.

Once you arrive at our testing facility, staff from the Criminal Justice Training Center will be available for any questions. Also, an application packet will be distributed. Part of the application packet requires a physical (standard sports physical). Once you complete the packet, return it to our office located in building q at the niceville campus. You will be fingerprinted at that time. A background check will be conducted once your fingerprints have been taken.

Question: What is the cost of the academy?

Answer: The Law Enforcement academy is approximately $2600 and the Corrections academy is approximately $2100. These prices do not include books, uniforms, etc. The three books required for the Law Enforcement academy: general topics Volume 1book $16.70 , High Liability Volume 2 book $12.80, and the Florida Statute book $34.00. The Corrections book is $24.05 and the High Liability Volume 2 book is $12.80. Prices are subject to change based on the College store requirements.

Uniforms are required in the academy. After you have attended orientation, you will go to the College store and order your academy shirts. At a minimum, we recommend that you purchase two blue button up shirts ($33.00 each) and two gray tee shirts ($11.00 each). The button up shirt (black undershirt) is worn during regular classroom hours with a pair of black "BDU" style pants, a black belt, and black boots/shoes. During high liability classes - Firearms, Defensive Tactics, First Aid, and Vehicle Operations, students will wear academy tee shirts and black "BDU" style pants with black boots/shoes. A black belt is also required. (belts, boots, and pants can be purchased off campus; however, high quality "BDU" style pants are available in the College store) Students must also purchase name tags from the College store. ($10.00)

Question: What about Financial Aid?

Answer: Start the Financial Aid process as soon as possible. You have to apply for Financial Aid every fall. The contact number for Financial Aid is 729-5370. The website is www.fasfa.ed.gov.

Question: Am I guaranteed a job upon completion of the academy?

Answer: No, not necessarily. We are not a placement agency. There are many agencies in the surrounding counties who are always on the "look out" for quality students and this particular profession is of high demand. Our goal is to assist students in accomplishing their goals. Successful students are very proactive. See our "links" tab for various agencies.

Question: How long is the academy?

Answer: It depends on which schedule setting you select. A daytime Corrections Academy is one semester long; a nighttime Corrections Academy is two semesters long. A daytime Law Enforcement Academy is two semesters; a nighttime Law Enforcement Academy is three semesters. Daytime hours are typically four weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with physical fitness three days a week from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Nighttime hours are typically four weeknights from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with physical fitness on Saturday mornings. Both day and night schedules also involve a number of Saturday hours typically all day long. Exact schedules are set for the entire given semester and students are provided with that schedule well in advance to register and plan accordingly.