Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement

Mission:

Our mission at the WTI Criminal Justice Academy is to provide the necessary steps for Law Enforcement Officer Training.

Description:

Instruction includes a combination of theory, laboratory and supportive courses. Instruction in the criminal justice specialties includes the history and composition of the criminal justice system activities, police ethics and responsibilities, law enforcement agencies, crime laboratory procedures, arrest and custodial procedures, investigations, trial and court procedures, and recordkeeping,. Supportive instruction is provided in communications, constitutional rights, human relations, social sciences, first responder skills, self-defense and firearm training.

Unique Requirements:

Click Here for Full Requirements of the WTI Criminal Justice Academy in completing the Law Enforcement Program.

In order to attend the Academy, you must meet the FDLE requirements listed below. In compliance with Florida Statute 943.13, all applicants must:

• Be 19 years of age or older
• U.S. Citizenship – Although U.S. citizenship is not specifically required to be an applicant for this program, non-U.S. citizens should make every effort to obtain U.S. citizenship prior to making application for the following reasons.
  • In accordance with Section 943.13, F.S. (Florida Statute), any person employed or appointed as a full-time, part-time, or auxiliary law enforcement officer must be a citizen of the United States.
  • In accordance with Chapter 11B-35.002(2), F.A.C. (Florida Administrative Code),Within four years of the beginning date of a Commission-approved Basic Recruit Training Program, an individual shall successfully complete the program, achieve a passing score on the applicable State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE) , and gain employment as an officer.
  • Have a valid Florida driver’s license
  • Complete the Basic Abilities Test (BAT) with a score of 79% or better. An individual must pass a Commission-approved CJBAT prior to basic recruit class.
  • Have earned a high school graduate or equivalent diploma.
  • Physical exam, including electrocardiogram.
  • Defensive tactics training requires sustained physical exertion and chemical agent contamination to the chemicals oleo-resin capsicum (OC) and/or orthochlorobenzalmalonotrite(CS). Students must have a physician’s approval to participate in order to gain entry into the academy.
  • Background investigation by school through Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
  • Have never been convicted of any felony charge.
  • Not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement. Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of, a felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, shall not be eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.
  • It is recommended that applicants have good physical agility and hand-eye coordination.
  • Never have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.
  • Be of good moral character.

  Additionally, all applicants must be eligible to possess a firearm and participate in firearms training pursuant to the Federal Firearms Law 18 U.S.C. 922, the Gun Control Act of 1967 and the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997. Amendments to the Gun Control Act of 1968 make it unlawful for any person convicted of a "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms or ammunition. The amendments also make it unlawful for any person to sell or otherwise dispose of a firearm or ammunition to any person knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe, that the recipient has been convicted of such a misdemeanor. The new prohibitions apply to all persons, including law enforcement officers.