Skip to main content

School of Technical & Professional Specialties

Law Enforcement Academy

The Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) Law Enforcement Academy (LEA) is an authorized satellite academy of the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). The academy is overseen and regulated by Utah POST providing satellite academies with the same learning objectives and training. Graduating students will receive certification as a Utah Peace Officer as defined in Utah Code Annotated 53-13-101(2). Please visit Utah Department of Public Safety for additional information.

The SLCC satellite academy is for those who wish to gain a Law Enforcement Officer certification as a self-sponsored student by attending two training modules as a SLCC student. The courses must be taken in order for certification: CJ 1910 Special Function Officer (SFO) Module 1, followed by CJ 1920 Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Module 2 (Must be 19 to graduate SFO and 21 to graduate LEO).


FAQs

New student’s intent on pursuing a degree program should apply for Admission and go through the testing process for Math and English placement.

Individuals interested in the Law Enforcement Academy should also complete the Admissions process, as well as, the application for training through the Institute for Public Safety Department located at Larry H. Miller Campus, 9750 South 300 West. Students will have to pass a background check to be enrolled. Call 801-957-5217 to set up a Group Interview - a one-hour meeting with the Program Coordinator and other peers where you will discuss the registration process, what to expect in the classes, see if you qualify to attend, and how to properly fill out the POST application (background check that you send to the state). Utah POST will determine if you are Approved or Denied from attending the academy.

SFO covers Utah code and other learning objectives in a classroom setting, along with some Physical and Defensive Tactic training. LEO includes these subjects as well as hands-on scenario training, firearms training, building clearing, and many other certifications.

SFO completion is required for LEO entrance.

Yes, Financial Aid is available for those who qualify, and for those who have selected a Criminal Justice area of study.

No, we only offer the night time evening academy. This schedule is helpful for those who wish to maintain their full-time day jobs. Certifying through our academy prior to applying to departments makes you more marketable.

The Law Enforcement Academy is focused on training for entry-level Law Enforcement Officers. A significant portion of the training is hands-on and covers topics such as firearms, arrest and control techniques, and emergency vehicle operation. The SFO and LEO program takes two college semesters to complete and become a certifiable peace officer in the state of Utah.

The Criminal Justice program is academic based and broader in its focus covering additional areas such as Criminology, Ethics and Psychology of Criminal Behavior. Although the program has a lot of practical application, it is not hands-on.

Students who complete the SFO and LEO training or hold a Peace Officer Certification receive 24 elective Criminal Justice credits. Note that only 15 elective hours are required for the Associate of Science Degree.

POST offers training during the day for employees sponsored by their agencies. SLCC Law Enforcement Academy is for self-sponsored individuals who want to receive POST training on their own, making them a more viable candidate for hire. The criteria for both academies are regulated by POST and offered at the same location.

Completion of the Law Enforcement Academy or the Peace Officer Certificate provides 24 hours of elective credits toward an Associate of Applied Science Degree or 24 hours of elective credit toward the Associate of Science Degree. If students have additional Criminal Justice related training or courses, additional credit may be possible and will be awarded on a case-by-case basis.

CONTACT US

For more information about this program, please contact the program secretary.

Program Coordinator

Rich Montanez
801-957-5431
richard.montanez@slcc.edu

Program Secretary

Cassandra Drollinger
801-957-5217
cassandra.drollinger@slcc.edu


Special Function Officer (SFO) Module 1

  • CJ 1910 Special Function Reserve Officer
  • 12 elective credits towards a Criminal Justice AS or AAS degree
  • Approximately 15 weeks in length
  • Financial Aid is available for those who qualify
  • Night academy Monday-Friday 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Completing the SFO certification will qualify you to work for the following agencies:

  • Department of Corrections
  • Court Bailiff
  • Auxiliary Officer
  • Constable
  • County Jail Officer
  • Animal Control
  • Department of Professional License
  • Insurance Fraud

Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Module 2

  • CJ 1920 Peace Officer Basic Training
  • 12 elective credits towards a Criminal Justice AS or AAS Degree
  • Approximately 17 weeks in length
  • Financial Aid is available for those who qualify
  • Night academy Monday—Friday 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Pre-Requisite: CJ 1910 Special Function Reserve Officer, or current SFO Certification

Completing the LEO certification will qualify you to work for the following agencies:

  • Utah City Police Officer
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • State Highway Patrol

Tuition and Fees

Description Cost
CJ 1910 (SFO) $2,000 
CJ 1920 (LEO) $3,500 
POST Application Fee $50
Finger Printing Fee $20
Class Uniform & Equipment (Estimate) $300
Weapon Varies
Lap Top Varies
Estimated Total: $6,500
(Tuition and Fees subject to change without notice.)

Class Schedules

Spring 2024 Semester

SFO 24-2
January 3 - April 11, 2024
LEO 104
January 2 - April 11, 2024
Graduation: April 10, 2024

Summer 2024 Semester

SFO 24-3
May 06 - August 15, 2024
LEO 105
April 29 - August 15, 2024
Graduation: August 15, 2024

Fall 2024 Semester

SFO 24-4
September 9 - December 12, 2024
LEO 106
September 3 - December 12, 2024
Graduation: December 8, 2024

Program Qualifications

Please visit Utah POST Qualifications for the standards and qualifications which must be met in order to be a Peace Officer in the State of Utah.

Registration Steps

SFO Registration

Step 1: Group Interview

Group Interview is intended to teach potential cadets how to fill out the POST application correctly. One on One time will be available for anyone with questions about their background history. Call 801-957-5217 to schedule your Group Interview.

  • Arrive with NPOST results if you have them and professionally dressed—as if attending a job interview.
  • Location:
    Miller Campus
    9750 South 300 West
    Public Safety Education and Training Center
    • Room number will be provided in your emailed confirmation

Step 2: SLCC Admissions

Admissions, and Orientation are all required for registration.

  • Application for Admission
    • Online application
    • Recommended Degree/Program: CJ-AS or CJ-AAS
    • Your Student Number is available online two business days after you apply to SLCC
  • New Student Orientation
  • Financial Aid (optional)
  • Contact the Miller Student Services at 801-957-5417 for assistance with admissions. If you are a returning student, please make sure your student account is eligible for registration.

Step 3: POST Application

Submit your online Application for Training and Certification.

Do not start this step until after your Group Interview.

Required documents listed below may, or may not apply to you based on how you answer the questions in the applications:

  • Personal Photograph
  • Birth Certificate
  • Medical Release Form
  • NPOST results if you have them
  • High School Diploma (or Equivalent)
  • Military DD-214
  • Criminal Arrest Records
  • Criminal Court Records
  • Dispatch Documents
  • Out of State Driving Records

Incomplete applications will be sent back to you for correction. Make certain you select Salt Lake Community College as your Academy choice. Sending it to the wrong academy will delay the application process.

Any personal background questions, or concerns please contact Richard Montanez.

Step 4: POST Application Fee

SLCC POST Application Fee $50 (Non-Refundable)
You will need your POST ID# to submit your application fee.
Contact our office to follow up on completion of registration.

LEO Registration

Note: If you are not special functions officer certified, please return the SFO registration steps above!

Required Information and Documents

The following information is needed before the Registration Deadlines listed above:

  • SLCC Student Number
  • SLCC will need the name of the academy you attended and your graduation date
  • FEMA certificates:
    • IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System
    • IS-200 ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incident
    • IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS)
  • NPOST results
  • POST ID #
  • You will need an updated finger print card

Step 1: Group Interview

  • Set up a Group Interview by calling 801-957-5217. Group Interview is intended to teach potential cadets how to fill out the POST application correctly.
    • Arrive with NPOST scores and professionally dressed—as if attending a job interview.
  • Location:
    Miller Campus
    9750 South 300 West
    Public Safety Education and Training Center
    • Room will be provided in your emailed confirmation

Step 2: SLCC Admissions

Admissions, and Orientation are all required for registration.

  • Application for Admission
    • Online application
    • Recommended Degree/Program: CJ-AS or CJ-AAS
    • Your Student Number is available online two business days after you apply to SLCC
  • New Student Orientation
  • Financial Aid (optional)
  • Contact the Miller Student Services at 801-957-5417 for assistance with admissions. If you are a returning student, please make sure your student account is eligible for registration.

Step 3: Entrance Testing

  • You will need to take a Physical Fitness test if it’s been longer than 6 months.
  • You will need to take a Defensive Tactics test if it’s been longer than 6 months.
  • LEO entrance exam:
    You will be required to pass the LEO Entrance Exam at 80% or higher within three months prior to the beginning of the LEO block of training.
    1. A cadet who has completed basic SFO training and passed the SFO certification exam within 18 months, prior to the beginning of the LEO block, is not required to take the LEO entrance exam.
    2. A cadet who has successfully passed the SFO reactivation exam within three months, prior to the beginning of the LEO block, is not required to take the LEO entrance exam.
    3. Test may be taken 2 times, a 2 week waiting period is required to retest a 3rd time.

Step 4: POST Application

Submit your online Application for Training and Certification.

Do not start this step until after your Group Interview.

Required documents listed below may, or may not apply to you based on how you answer the questions in the applications:

  • Personal Photograph
  • Birth Certificate
  • Medical Release Form
  • NPOST Results
  • High School Diploma (or Equivalent)
  • Military DD-214
  • Criminal Arrest Records
  • Criminal Court Records
  • Dispatch Documents
  • Out of State Driving Records

Incomplete applications will be sent back to you for correction. Make certain you select Salt Lake Community College as your Academy choice. Sending it to the wrong academy will delay the application process.

Any personal background questions, or concerns please contact Richard Montanez.

Law Enforcement Academy Graduates

Class 103

Class 102

Class 101

leo-101-class-graduation-photo.jpg

Class 100

leo-98.jpg

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement

Please be advised that law enforcement officers who move to other states have to seek certification through that state’s Peace Officer Standards and Training division, or similar agencies in other states. Law enforcement certification is the exclusive right and responsibility of each state. Before moving out of state, we encourage students to research state law enforcement certification requirements. Here is one research tool: License Finder sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

If you have difficulty finding the law enforcement certification requirements for other states, please contact your academic advisor or SLCC’s State Authorization Coordinator for help.