Indian River State College

What you'll study

The Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program comprises 864 hours of training delivered in academy formats. The daytime academy runs approximately 24 weeks and generally meets Monday through Thursday with some Fridays. The crossover program for certified correctional officers supplies the additional training needed to meet Florida law enforcement certification standards and typically runs about eight months when offered.

Entry requirements

Admission to the academies is selective and applicants are evaluated through a selection process. Common requirements include:

• Be at least 19 years old by academy completion.
• U.S. citizenship.
• High school diploma or state-issued GED (or equivalent as accepted by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission).
• Valid driver’s license and a Florida driver’s license at academy entry.
• Good moral character as defined in the Selection Center Policy Manual.
• No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving perjury or false statements.
• No dishonorable military discharge.
• No falsification of application or personal history forms.
• No marijuana use within one year prior to application and no history of using, transporting, growing, manufacturing or selling illegal substances beyond the stated marijuana exception.
• No driver license suspension within three years prior to application unless due to administrative or financial error.
• Successful completion of the Basic Abilities Test (BAT) and the Physical Abilities Test (PAT).

Career prospects

Graduates of the college’s law enforcement training are prepared to pursue careers as certified law enforcement officers in Florida. The training covers core officer responsibilities such as enforcing laws and regulations, report writing, record keeping and providing testimony in court, forming the practical foundation expected by hiring agencies.

Scholarships & funding angle

The River offers guidance on financial aid, scholarships and affordable tuition options to help make training accessible. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the college’s financial aid office for program-specific funding opportunities and eligibility.