Basic Law Enforcement Training
Basic Law Enforcement Training graduates find employment in Public Safety as law enforcement officers with state, county, or municipal governments, or with private industry.
The Catawba Valley Community College's Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate Program is designed, developed, monitored, and constantly updated by the Criminal Justice Training and Standards Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice. Minimum time for completion is approximately six months. Classes meet during weekdays.
Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) is designed to give students essential skills required for entry-level employment as law enforcement officers with state, county, or municipal governments, or with private enterprise.
This program utilizes state commission-mandated topics and methods of instruction. General subjects include, but are not limited to, criminal, juvenile, civil, traffic, and alcohol beverage laws; investigative, patrol, custody, and court procedures; emergency responses; and ethics and community relations.
Students must successfully complete and pass all units of study mandated by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission to receive a certificate.
Program Information
Program Options
Program Options
- Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate
Please see the catalog for more information about the degree option in this curriculum.
Related Programs
Related Programs
Information
Information
Admissions
In order to be eligible for admission to the program, students must:
- Be at least 20 years old;
- Have a high school diploma from a public or private high school, a registered home school, a GED, or Adult High School Diploma. Correspondence schools do not meet requirements established by the North Carolina Department of Justice Law Enforcement Training and Standards.
- Be a United States citizen;
- Hold a valid North Carolina driver's license;
- Successfully complete appropriate placement testing scores;
- Be sponsored by a law enforcement agency; and
- Submit a criminal background check and meet the requirements as set by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education Training Standards Commission
Application Process
Candidates for the Basic Law Enforcement Training program must complete a two-step admissions process.
Step 1
- Complete the 3 step (Residency, Application, FAFSA) admissions process at the APPLY NOW tab. Choose Basic Law Enforcement Training as the intended major and select a future entry term.
- Once the Application is submitted, send ONE email to admissions@cvcc.edu requesting to activate your application by email. Attach a cell phone picture of your NDCL. You do not have to come to campus to activate an application; it is done by email for your convenience.
- Submit official high school (or GED/Adult High School Diploma) and transcripts showing the actual graduation date (must be submitted before registration can occur). If applicable, students will submit official college transcripts.
- Student must successfully complete the NCDAP Reading/Writing test and place into DRE 098 or higher within 1 year prior to admission to the BLET program. (No exceptions for coursework completed or degrees earned – testing is mandatory per Training and Standards.)
Step 2
- Obtain the BLET Information packet (available at the BLET office on the CVCC Main Campus).
- Additional forms included in the packet must be completed and documents submitted by the deadline for which you are applying. Deadline dates are in the BLET Information packet.
Acceptance into the Program
Students are admitted through an interview process.
Applicants who have completed all application requirements are notified of admission to the program approximately six (6) to eight (8) weeks before class begins. Students admitted to the program participate in a closed registration session approximately a month before class begins, which allows them to meet their future classmates and avoid the crowds of the college registration process. Students must attend the first day of class or be dismissed.No Exceptions.
All students should be prepared to purchase books and uniforms during this closed registration.
Program Requirements
The North Carolina Criminal Justice Training Standards Division, which accredits BLET programs across the state, requires that students attend the first day of class and at least 95% of the remaining scheduled class hours. Successful completion of this program grants the student 20 semester hours of college credit, which may be applied to a two-year degree. Students can receive college credit for CJC 131 Criminal Law and CJC 221 Investigative Principles in CVCC's Criminal Justice Technology Program.
Successful completion of the Police Officer Physical Abilities Test obstacle course is required for the student to successfully complete the course. This obstacle course is a timed event, and involves the following components:
- Running up to 1 ½ miles in 18 minutes or less
- Completing 40 military-style push-ups
- Dragging or carrying a 175-pound person 50 feet
- Jump a four (4) foot obstacle
- Climb over a four (4) foot fence
- Perform a low crawl under an obstacle
- 30 step repetitions on an eight (8) inch high step box
- Perform a roll drill with a 100-pound manikin
Due to time limitations within the program, students will not have sufficient time to significantly improve their physical fitness levels. As a result, applicants must enter the program already possessing a physical endurance level that will allow them to complete the above tasks in succession within the acceptable time limit imposed by the Criminal Justice Training Standards Commission. Applicants should discuss their fitness levels with their physicians during the required physical examination.
Program Costs
The letter of sponsorship allows CVCC to waive tuition for this program. However, students are personally responsible for other program expenses. These include textbooks, student fees, and uniforms for both physical fitness and the classroom. Total expenses usually range from $1,000 to $1,200.
Most textbooks are purchased from the North Carolina Justice Academy. Further information regarding textbook purchasing procedures will be provided in the letter of acceptance to the program.
Students will order most components of their uniforms on registration day. Cost of uniforms for physical fitness training will vary according to anticipated weather conditions during the time physical fitness training is scheduled. Students will also be required to purchase a pair of good quality running shoes.
Uniform shirts will be ordered at registration, and students will further be required to purchase BDU pants and uniform boots. Information regarding these additional purchases will be provided at registration.
CVCC will provide the following for student use during the program: law enforcement gear such as duty belt, handgun and shotgun for use during firearms, and police vehicle for use during defensive driving training.
Career Outlook
BLET: Career Outlook
CONTACT INFORMATION
Chief of Security and Law Enforcement Education
Safety, Security & Health
Email:
Clyde Deal
Phone: 828-327-7000
x4573
Office Number: CAD 138