Law Enforcement - Tallahassee Community College

Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy

The Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy at the Florida Public Safety Institute offers the 770-hour Florida Law Enforcement Academy required to become a certified law enforcement officer. In a continued commitment to serving the surrounding communities, each class completes at least one community service project during the academy. Graduates of the Academy are offered a seamless transition from job-related training to degree-seeking education through Tallahassee Community College.

Estimated Salary

Florida is a great place to work in law enforcement, and Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy graduates are heavily recruited throughout the state. Salaries vary based on geographic location, but most graduates can expect between $52,000 and $75,000 annually.

Newly certified law enforcement officers in Florida are also entitled to a one-time recruitment bonus payment of $5,000.

Curriculum Topics Include:

Communication
Legal
Interviewing and Report Writing
Crime Investigations
Traffic Stops and Crash Investigations
Defensive Tactics
Medical First Responder to Emergencies
Criminal Justice Weapons
Vehicle Operations
Criminal Justice Officer Physical Fitness

Courses Offered Are:

770 hours in Length
Full-Time Programs are 6 Months
Part-Time Programs are 10 months
Fully fundable by available Scholarships

Continuing Education

Not a new recruit? Explore our Advanced and Specialized Training program and Equivalency of Training program.

Steps to Apply

Apply to TCC

Complete the Steps to Apply to TCC. If you have taken classes at TCC, you will still need to apply for admission into any new program at TCC to make sure your information is up to date.

Complete Docusign Form Packet

Review and complete the Docusign packet after completing your Workday application to FPSI.

Obtain a Level II Background

Obtain a Level II criminal background check for State (FDLE) and federal (FBI) via an FDLE-approved vendor and send it to our ORI (FL922480Z). See the list of approved vendors below.**

Contact Testing Center

Achieve a passing score on the CJBAT test (Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test). There is a $35.00 charge to take the test. Those applying to the law enforcement academy must take the law enforcement CJBAT exam.*

Residency Declaration

Once accepted, complete Residency Docusign by logging in with your TCC email. Residency must be declared to determine tuition.

After Applying

Applicants will be contacted for an interview. At the conclusion of the interview, applicants will receive an acceptance letter or the reason for not being accepted.

*Associate Degree or higher and honorably discharged military veterans are exempt from the CJBAT Test.

**Use the FDLE Livescan Provider List of approved vendors. Please ensure you do not complete this step more than three months before the start date.

***It is recommended that applicants begin an exercise program that builds stamina and flexibility.

Upcoming Courses

Florida Law Enforcement Academy Classes

April 1 ,2024 - Correctional Officer Crossover to Law Enforcement (Primarily Monday - Friday 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (8 a.m. - 5 p.m. one Saturday a month)
July 9, 2024 - Full-Time Basic Law Enforcement Academy (Primarily Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Some Night Hours Required)

Interesting In Taking A Course? Request More Information