NFCC accepting applicants for Correctional and Law Enforcement Officer programs

The Public Safety Academy at North Florida Community College is now accepting students for its Correctional Officer Basic Recruit and Law Enforcement Officer programs. NFCC's Law Enforcement Recruit Academy offers courses that are open entry with entry points available on a continuous basis. New Correctional Officer courses are slated to begin Jan. 20 and include three program options: Correctional Officer Basic Recruit, Correctional Officer Cross-Over to Law Enforcement and Corrections and Law Enforcement Basic Dual Certification.  Students can complete the Correctional Basic Recruit program in about five months (420 Clock Hours); the Correctional Officer Cross-Over to Law Enforcement program in approximately seven months (515 Clock Hours); or the Corrections and Law Enforcement Basic Dual Certification in approximately 19 months (909 Clock Hours). The Law Enforcement Recruit Academy can be completed in about 11 months (770 Clock Hours). Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 6-11 p.m. at the NFCC Public Safety Academy complex on the NFCC campus in Madison, Fla.  Those interested in enrolling in these programs are encouraged to contact the Public Safety Academy now to begin the application and enrollment process. The NFCC campus and NFCC Public Safety Academy will be closed for the college's winter break holiday Dec. 16 through Jan. 1; reopening on Monday, Jan. 4.  Individuals must be at least 18 years old to enter NFCC's Law Enforcement and Correctional Basic Recruit programs and must pass the Florida Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT) before submitting an application for admission. The CJBAT can be taken on the NFCC campus. Official high school/GED diploma and transcripts and passing background checks are also required for admission. Tuition assistance may be available to qualified students; those seeking financial assistance should apply as soon as possible. Students applying for financial aid must complete the FASFA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  The NFCC Public Safety Academy is one of 40 criminal justice training centers approved by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) to train basic recruits in law enforcement, corrections, recertification programs and continuing workforce education. NFCC's Correctional and Law Enforcement Basic Recruit programs prepare students for the certification exams required for all Florida officers.