Correctional

Florida Correctional Training Programs

The Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy at the Florida Public Safety Institute offers the 420-hour Florida Correctional Basic Recruit Training Program required to become a certified correctional officer and the 562-hour Florida Correctional Probation Officer Program required to become a correctional probation officer. Currently, all students enrolled in the program are sponsored by state correctional institutions, local county jails, or state community corrections. Interested students are encouraged to contact one of the following partnering agencies about employment and sponsorship opportunities:

Prerequisites

Applicants must be 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, have a high school diploma or GED, and not have had a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Services, felony convictions, or misdemeanor convictions involving perjury or false statement. Applicants must take the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT) for Correctional officers and achieve a passing score. Correctional probation officers must have a bachelor's degree.

Steps to Apply

Apply to TSC

Complete the Steps to Apply to TSC. If you have taken classes at TSC, you will still need to apply for admission into any new program at TSC 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 TSC 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.

Interesting In Taking A Course? Request More Information

Corrections FAQ

What are the requirements to attend the academy?

Basic Requirements

All basic recruit candidates must meet the minimum state qualifications for certification. They must pass a screening process including an oral interview, criminal history check, Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT/CJBAT), and other areas.

Education Requirements

The academy entrance standards are established by Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) rules and Florida Statutes. Currently, only a high school diploma or GED is required to be accepted in a law enforcement or corrections academy training program.

How can I become a certified officer in Florida?

There are three basic steps to becoming a certified officer in Florida. First, complete the required training for the profession. Second, pass the State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE). Third, become employed as an officer.

What are the minimum qualifications necessary to become an officer?

We recommend you visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website for complete information.

When are fees due?

Fees are due on the first day of class.

Where can I stay if I need accommodations when I come to the Institute for training?

We offer on-site single occupancy housing for $26.00 per night. All rooms have color TV, wireless service, a private restroom, a refrigerator, and a lockable drawer for valuables. Please bring a padlock to secure your valuables in the drawer.

I have a misdemeanor arrest involving perjury or false statements. Can I be certified as a law enforcement, correctional, or correctional probation officer in the State of Florida?

Pursuant to 943.13(4) Florida Statutes, if a person pleads guilty, no contest, nolle contendere or is convicted of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement, that person is ineligible to be certified as an officer in the State of Florida.

If the misdemeanor perjury or false statement charges are dismissed or nolle prosequi then issues regarding the person’s moral character are determined by the employing agency. The person is not barred by Statute from holding certification.

I have a prior felony arrest. Can I be certified as a law enforcement, correctional, or correctional probation officer in the State of Florida?

Pursuant to 943.13(4) Florida Statutes, if a person pleads guilty, no contest, noble contender, or is convicted of a felony, that person is ineligible to be certified as an officer in the State of Florida.

If the felony charges are dismissed or noble pressed then issues regarding the person’s moral character are determined by the employing agency. The person is not barred by Statute from holding certification.

Does the academy have a job placement service?

No. However, the academy routinely invites representatives from agencies statewide to recruit from each class.

Do I need a college education to become a law enforcement officer, corrections officer or correctional probation officer?

Although some agencies may require a college degree there are a greater number that only require a high school diploma or GED. A bachelor's degree is required for correctional probation officers.