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Correctional Officer to Law Enforcement

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Program Overview

Correctional Basic Recruit, Occupational Certificate (O.C.)

This 518-hour basic recruit course is designed to provide the student with the state-required training, which prepares and allows the student to take the State of Florida FDLE Certification Examination. Students will develop an understanding of community policing, the patrol function, police administration and organization, criminal and constitutional law, juvenile procedures, police ethics, and criminal investigations. The full-time course takes approximately 5 months to complete and the part-time night class takes approximately 9 months to complete.

Review the guided degree pathway where you will find a detailed plan for your courses and other requirements each semester that prepare you for graduation and your transfer goals.

Degree Pathway
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College Catalog

Locations

Florida Gateway College’s Public Safety Training Center (Olustee campus) Florida Gateway College’s Gilchrist Center

Testing Entrance Requirements

Florida Basic Abilities Test
Physical Entrance Test

Hours

Full-time Academy Hours: Monday–Thursday 7:00 am–5:30 pm *Some weekend and night training may be required.

Part-time Academy Hours: Monday–Friday 5:30 pm–10:30 pm *Some weekend training may be required.

Costs

  • Tuition: $1,556.03 Lab Fees: $420.52
  • Florida Basic Abilities Test: $39.00
  • Background Fee: $50.00
  • Drug Screen: $31.00
  • Test Code Fee: $73.50
  • Uniforms: $121.00
  • Total Cost: $2,291.05

98%

Completion Rate

85%

Job Placement Rate

98%

State Licensure Rate

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Careers at a Glance

Starting Salaries

Varies and ranges from $32,500 to $48,500.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of this program have career opportunities at City, County, and State Law Enforcement Agencies in the state of Florida.

Career Services

Employers of FGC Graduates

  • Columbia County
  • Sheriff’s Office
  • Lake City Police
  • Department Baker County Sheriff’s Office
  • Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office
  • Dixie County Sheriff’s Office
  • Union County Sheriff’s Office
  • Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office
  • Live Oak Police Department Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office Taylor County Sheriff’s Office Bradford County Sheriff’s Office Starke Police Department
  • Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement

Program Details

Admission Requirements

Admission Steps:

  1. Apply for Financial Aid (if applicable).
  2. Request an application from the training center.
  3. File for admission to Florida Gateway College.
  4. Complete and submit the application packet.
  5. Take and pass the Basic Abilities Test.
  6. Attend and successfully complete the Physical Entrance Test.

Admission Requirements:

  • Be at least 19 years of age upon graduation from the program.
  • Be a citizen of the United States.
  • Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
  • Not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.
Program Notes
  • Limited access
  • Program starts in January, July and September
  • Florida Gateway College maintains a Public Safety Training Center in Olustee, bringing the “Hometown College” to all of the residents of our district
  • The vast majority of instructors are full-time employees in their chosen profession. This ensures that the material is being presented in a relevant and realistic manner
  • The law enforcement and corrections programs have received Type A Certification from the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. This is the highest type certification available for criminal justice training schools in the state of Florida
  • Above average state exam pass rate
  • Post basic, advanced and specialized courses available
Program Guide & Syllabi
  • CJK 0001C Intro to LE 10 hours, 0.33 VCH
  • CJK 0012C Legal 62 hours, 2.07 VCH
  • CJK0020C Vehicle Operations 48 hours, 1.60 VCH
  • CJK 0013C Interact In a Diverse Community 40 hours, 1.33 VCH
  • CJK 0014C Interviewing and Report Writing 56 hours, 1.87 VCH
  • CJK 0064C Fundamentals of Patrol 35 hours, 1.16 VCH
  • CJK 0065C Calls for Service 36 hours, 1.20 VCH
  • CJK 0077C Criminal Investigations 50 hours, 1.67 VCH
  • CJK 0078C Crime Scene to Courtroom 35 hours, 1.16 VCH
  • CJK 0092C Critical Incidents 44 hours, 1.47 VCH
  • CJK 0422C Dart Firing Stun Gun 8 hours, 0.27 VCH
  • CJK 0087C Traffic Stops 30 hours, 24 VCH
  • CJK 0084C DUI Traffic Stops 24 hours, 0.80 VCH
  • CJK 0088C Traffic Crash Investigations 32 hours, 1.07 VCH
  • CJK 0393 Program Updates 8 hours, 1.33 VCH

Program Total: 510 hours, 17.00 VCH

Learning Outcomes
  • How to exhibit basic knowledge of the Florida criminal and civil laws, as well as the federal guidelines concerning a criminal procedure.
  • Apply basic knowledge of the communication skills necessary for law enforcement officers.
  • Demonstrate basic firearm skills for law enforcement officers.
  • Perform defensive tactic skills necessary for law enforcement officers.
  • Apply basic driving skills necessary for law enforcement officers.
  • Perform basic First Aid/First Responder skills necessary for law enforcement officers.
Book List & Materials
  • FL BRTP Law Enforcement Academy, Vol 1 FL BRTP, High Liability Curriculum, Vol 2

Discover, Embrace, Succeed

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