Program Goals
This program is designed to meet the needs of former Florida law enforcement and corrections officers who have a break in service in excess of four years and wish to reinstate their Florida certification. This program also meets the needs of individuals who have been certified officers in another state or with the federal government of the United States and now wish to acquire Florida certification. Successful completion of this program establishes eligibility to take the Florida State Officer Certification Examination.

Program Flexibility
This program is responsive to individual needs. Blocks of instruction will be arranged to meet the scheduling needs of the student.

Program Cost
The program cost of $1,135.00 for law enforcement and $765.00 for corrections includes tuition and all fees.

Admission Requirements
Applicants must have prior law enforcement or corrections certification/training in order to attend this program. Former Florida officers must provide such employment documentation upon application. Out-of-state officers, military, or federal officers must have their training and experience evaluated at the TCC Criminal Justice Selection Center or another approved selection center prior to application/admission.

Applicant Requirements

·         19 years of age or older

·         A citizen of the United States

·         High school graduate or GED

·         No misdemeanor or felony convictions involving perjury or false statement.

·         No dishonorable discharge from any Armed Forces of the United States.

Curriculum
The Comparative Compliance Program at the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy is comprised of three segments. First, students must demonstrate proficiency in each of the high liability areas and complete required cognitive portions of the curricula. Second, students must successfully complete a legal block of instruction with an emphasis on Florida law. Third, students complete a comprehensive course review that prepares them for the State Officer Certification Examination.

Program Length
This program is competency based. Therefore the following hours for each block of instruction may vary up or down slightly depending upon the student. Students seeking law enforcement compliance must successfully complete each of the following blocks of instruction.

1.     Weapons (firearms): Eight (8) hours

2.     Vehicle Operations: Eight (8) hours

3.     Medical 1st Responder: Sixteen (16) hours

4.     Defensive Tactics: Sixteen (16) hours

5.     Legal: Sixteen (8) hours

6.     Course Review: Twenty (34) hours

Total Hours: 90

Students seeking corrections compliance must successfully complete each of the following blocks of instruction.

1.     Weapons (firearms): Sixteen (16) hours

2.     Human Diversity: Sixteen (16) hours

3.     Medical 1st Responder: Sixteen (16) hours

4.     Defensive Tactics: Sixteen (16) hours

5.     Legal: Sixteen (16) hours

6.     Course Review: Twenty-four (24) hours

Total Hours: 104

For law enforcement program information contact:
Bill Bierbaum
850-201-7992
bierbaub@tcc.fl.edu

For corrections program information contact:
Audrey Noble
850-201-7097
noblea@tcc.fl.edu

Criminal Justice Selection Center

The Criminal Justice Selection Center conducts equivalency evaluations through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for individuals interested in re-certifying in Florida as well as for those individuals who were employed as an out-of-state, federal officer or military police officer.

Please refer to the following paragraphs below to determine which type of equivalency training is needed.

Former Florida officers who have a four year break in service, who wish to avoid taking the full basic training again prior to sitting for the state exam, may request an exemption based upon their prior training and experience.  In order to be eligible for an exemption you must:

Have been a certified Florida officer in the discipline for which you are seeking an exemption (law enforcement, corrections, or parole/probation).  If you are not currently employed as a criminal justice officer, there cannot be more than an 8-year gap from the end of your most recent qualifying employment to the submission of your complete Equivalency of Training Application.

Out-of-state, military and federal officers/agents who wish to avoid taking the full basic training prior to sitting for the state exam to request an exemption based upon their prior training and experience.  In order to be eligible for an exemption you must have:

At least one continuous year of full time, paid, sworn experience volunteer, part-time and reserve duty does not qualify, in the discipline for which you are seeking an exemption (law enforcement, corrections, or parole/probation).  If you have a break in service or work for more than one department, then the one year of experience must occur within an eighteen month time frame at not more than two agencies. This time period must begin after you completed your basic academy training.  If you are not currently employed as a criminal justice officer, there cannot be more than an 8-year gap from the end of your most recent qualifying employment to the submission of your complete Equivalency of Training Application.

Please refer to the below forms to make application and further instructions:

Required Forms

Background Investigation Waiver, Equivalency Application, Equivalency Application Cover Letter, Equivalency Frequently Asked Questions

You will need Adobe Acrobat to view the above files.

For equivalency of training processes information contact:
Mr. Bill Bierbaum
850-201-7992
bierbaub@tcc.fl.edu