Law Enforcement Academy

The Law Enforcement Academy provides recruits with the training needed to pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement State Certification Examination. St. Petersburg College, Southeastern Public Safety Institute is an approved Florida Department of Law Enforcement training center and uses the curriculum of the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).

The Law Enforcement Academy lasts 22 weeks, Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for a total of 790 hours. Evening academies are held from time to time. Tuition is subject to change, and in-state tuition only applies to those with proof of Florida residency for 12 consecutive months. Tuition for in-state residents is $3,500 and for out-of-state residents is $7,859.59.

The Law Enforcement Academy enables recruits to secure employment as police officers, security service coordinators and public safety administrators. Students in the Basic Law Enforcement Academy study vehicle operations and patrol, defensive tactics and weapons, as well as investigations. Students who successfully complete the law enforcement academy can use specific training as coursework towards their A.S. degree.

1. Advisement: Call the Law Enforcement Academy Office for information or an appointment (727) 341-4490.

2. Entry Requirements: Those applying to this academy must have completed 30 college credits of any previous coursework or a full tour of active military service, with an honorable discharge

3. Background check: Complete the Police Applicant Screening Service (PASS) background check process for a fee of $50.

To contact PASS:
By phone: 727-864-3822
Online: www.policestandards.org
In person: Allstate Center
Room 135
3200 34th Street South
St. Petersburg, FL
7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

4. PASS Verification Letter: After completing the PASS process and receiving a PASS completion letter, fax or mail a copy of the letter to the attention of Sara Brown at:

FAX: (727)341-4463

Mail: SPC Allstate Center
SEPSI Academies
Attention: Sara Brown
3200 34th Street South, Room 227
St. Petersburg FL 33711

Applicants can expect to receive registration packets in the mail (usually one month before the beginning of the academy). Uniforms and textbooks cost approximately $275.