Tallahassee State College

Outside of FPSI building.

Law Enforcement Academy

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 State 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 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.

1

Complete Docusign Form Packet

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

2

​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.**

3

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.*

4

Residency Declaration

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

5

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.

6

*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

  • October 3, 2024 - Full-time Basic Law Enforcement Academy (Primarily Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m./Some nighttime hours required)

  • January 6, 2025 - Full-time Basic Law Enforcement Academy (Primarily Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m./Some nighttime hours required)

  • July 7, 2025 - Full-time Basic Law Enforcement Academy (Primarily Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m./Some nighttime hours required)
Interesting In Taking A Course? Request More Information

More Information

Contact

Elizabeth Bascom

Law Enforcement Coordinator

[email protected] 

Other Programs

Tallahassee Fire Academy

Correctional

Training

Advanced and Specialized Training

DUI and Traffic Safety Training