North Florida Community College is one of the 42 approved Criminal Justice Training Centers certified by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) to teach Law and Corrections Basic Recruit classes. This program is designed for students who wish to attend part time, evenings and weekends to complete full law enforcement and/or corrections training. Students wishing to take crossover training may register and attend portions of training required for their program. The course is scheduled on a year round revolving sequence with students being admitted at the beginning of any course block.

Admission Requirements

To enter the academy the following requirements must be met:

1.  Pass the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test. This test measures your critical thinking and observation skills. Please call ahead to schedule your test (850-973-9451. The test is given on the computer. Upon completion you will be given your result. Bring your result to Building 35 and speak with the instructional coordinator. You will receive you academy paperwork packet at that time. It contains the following forms:
2. A completed North Florida Community College Application. The Florida residency statement requires the date of issue on your driver's license (not the date of renewal), vehicle license or voter's registration. Return your completed application to building 35. The application fee is $20.00.
3. Sealed official transcripts must be from any school or college you attended, sealed in their original envelope and wither mailed to us (Attention Criminal Justice Academy) or hand carried. If you have a GED, you must provide a copy of the score sheet as well as the diploma and both must have the GED certificate number on them.
4. Sponsorship: We will provide you with a sponsorship form to be completed by the Chief of Police or Sheriff from the county or city in which you live. The sponsorship letter simply means that the agency has completed a local background check on you. It does not imply that they will hire you or be responsible for your fees and tuition.
5. Physical Fitness Assessment Form 75B is required by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It must be completed and signed by you and your physician.
6. Fingerprints- You will obtain electronic fingerprints here on campus that are automatically submitted directly to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. There is a $60.00 fee and must be paid prior to fingerprinting.
   
7. If you are employed by any criminal justice agency and are a SWORN officer with that agency, you need to provide a letter, on department letterhead from the employing agency stating that you are employed and they have your fingerprints and background check on file per Florida State Statue 943.13

Direct Enrollment

Financial aid

Public Safety Academy programs are eligible for Veterans Assistance (850-973-1620). Assistance may be received from Employment Connections (850-973-9675), Displaced Homemakers (850-973-1664), PELL Grants, Criminal Justice/Public Safety Specific Scholarships (850-973-9452), and other funding agencies. Contact Mrs. Peggy Harris at (850-973-1621) or Debbie Bass at (850-973-1664)for further information.

When to register

State Tuition Waiver: If you are an employee of the State of Florida and are eligible for the state tuition fee waiver, you must fill out a waiver form and have it properly signed by two officials (your supervisor and the highest official available.

Class hours

Classes are conducted part-time (evenings and weekends). Evening hours are
6-11 pm Monday thru Thursday. Some weekends are necessary for driving and firearms. Class schedules are provided each semester. The school observes some major holidays and there are two week breaks in the summer and at Christmas.

Uniforms

Criminal Justice Academy Recruits are required to be uniformed as described in the Recruit Manual. It is suggested that the student purchase a minimum of two sets. Students should purchase uniform type black belts, 1.5 to 2 inches wide, solid leather, no open weave or dangling ends, buckles should be low gloss silver metal. Shoes should be any style acceptable for uniform wear. Black socks must be worn with low quarter shoes. Students not in uniform by the date given for each class will be dismissed from class and be given a failing grade for the course block being taken.
Students will be required to have suitable clothing for defensive tactics and firearms training. Aerobic or walking shoes will be required. While the style of clothing is now specifically defined, attire for exercise, suitable to the season, and fitting the requirements in the Recruit Manual should be procured for these courses.

Code of Conduct

The Academy is a Para-military school. A strict student Code of Conduct is required of Academy Students. The conduct and consequences for failure to follow the rules are explained in the Recruit Manual provided to all students in the Orientation course.