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.
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.
For more information about this program, please contact the program secretary.
Cassandra Drollinger
Secretary, Law Enforcement Academy
Larry H. Miller Campus
Public Safety Education & Training Center, 270
Office: 801-957-5217
E-mail: cassandra.drollinger@slcc.edu
Cassandra Drollinger is the Secretary for the Institute of Public Safety. Cassandra started at SLCC in 2021 as an Accounting Assistant. She has experience helping students one-on-one and coordinating their progress for completion, with professional communication and adherence to college policies.
Expertise
- Management and confidentiality of student accounts
Richard Montanez
Program Coordinator, Law Enforcement Academy
Larry H. Miller Campus
Public Safety Education & Training Center, 270 J
Office: 801-957-5431
E-mail: richard.montanez@slcc.edu
Richard Montanez is the current program coordinator of the Salt Lake Community College Law Enforcement Academy with the Instituted of Public Safety. He has been working with the academy for the last 12 years starting out as an adjunct instructor before becoming the program coordinator three years ago. Richard has worked for the Utah Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol from 1986 to 2008. During his time with Highway Patrol he was assigned to numerous positions from State Trooper to serving in two Governor protection details, worked investigations in Medicaid Fraud and State Liquor unit. He was assigned to several task forces including FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, the Salt Lake Metro gang unit, the FBI Home Land Security Criminal Intelligence Unit, and several years at the Utah Peace Officers Standard and Training (POST) training new recruits before retiring in 2008. In 2008 he joined the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office as a Criminal Investigator until 2012. In 2012 he joined the United States Marshalls court security (AKAL/MVM) until arriving at Salt Lake Community College in 2017.
Education
- Graduated from the Utah Police Academy in 1988
Expertise
- Gang expert and provided lectures at conferences
- Certified by the Cooper Institute of Dallas for physical fitness law enforcement personal trainer
- Department of Public Safety Leadership Academy, certified
- Peace Officer Standards and Training Mid-Mangers leadership, certified
- SLCC Leadership Academy
- United States Secret Service Academy Intelligence training
- Peace Officer Standards and Training Internal Affairs Investigations training
- United States Marshall Academy Fugitive Intelligence Academy
- Advanced Homicide training
- Advanced Vice Related Intelligence
- Utah Drug Academy
- California State Police Dignitary Protection academy
- United States Secret Service Academy Dignitary protection training
Amy Woods
Administrative Assistant, Institute of Public Safety
Larry H. Miller Campus
Public Safety Education and Training Center, 270
Office: 801-957-5333
E-mail: amy.woods@slcc.edu
Education
- Associate of Applied Science Criminal Justice, SLCC, 2021
- Associate of Science Criminal Justice, SLCC 2022
Expertise
- Knowledge of college standards as an employee since 2015.
- Institutional knowledge to support to students, staff, and faculty.
cecile Delozier
Associate Dean, Institute of Public Safety
Larry H. Miller Campus
Public Safety Education and Training Center, 203
Office: 801-957-5321
E-mail: jdelozi1@slcc.edu
Cecile has a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Public Administration, and a career long commitment to teaching with a strong emphasis on student engagement and successful outcomes. Currently, she is enrolled in a Criminal Justice PhD program with plans to complete her dissertation in 2022.
Cecile comes to SLCC with 18 years of experience in Corrections at the juvenile, county, and state levels. She rose through the ranks from officer to lieutenant at a maximum-security facility, during which she became a master instructor in multiple disciplines, developed classes, and acted as a field training officer. During her last five years she served as the training director for the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. This role provided her with an opportunity to work with outside partners, Amend and the Norwegian Correctional Services, The Vera Institute, and The Moss Group on prison reform and innovative approaches to working with justice involved people.
As a consultant and master trainer for Desert Waters Correctional Outreach she worked to improve staff working conditions for corrections departments across the county.
Education
- Associate of Arts Degree, Bismarck State College ND, 2014
- Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester NH, 2015
- Master of Science Criminal Justice Public Administration, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester NH, 2017
Expertise
- Axon Taser instructor, 2021
- Simulation Instructor, 2021
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, 2020
- Prosci Change Management, 2020
- True Grit-Resilience for Correctional Staff- Master Instructor, 2019
- Department of Homeland Security’s Leadership for Women in Law Enforcement, 2019
- Government Quality Improvement Instructor, 2019
- Corrections Fatigue to Fulfillment Instructor, 2015
- CPR/AED Master Instructor and Training Center manager since, 2016
- 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
- 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
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| CJ 1910 (SFO) | $2,000 |
| CJ 1920 (LEO) | $3,500 |
| SLCC Admissions | $20 |
| 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.) |
Spring 2024 Semester
January 3 - April 11, 2024
January 2 - April 11, 2024
Graduation: April 11, 2024
Summer 2024 Semester
May 06 - August 15, 2024
May 01 - August 15, 2024
Graduation: August 15, 2024
Fall 2024 Semester
September 9 - December 12, 2024
September 3 - December 12, 2024
Graduation: December 8, 2024
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.
POST Application Deadlines for the SLCC Law Enforcement Academy
4 weeks before the first day of class.
(Be prepared for the application process to take up to two months.)
- Spring Semester: December 11, 2023
- Summer Semester: April 8, 2024
- Fall Semester: August 12, 2024
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 Fee $20 (Non-Refundable)
- 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.
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 Fee $20 (Non-Refundable)
- 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.- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.