Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)

Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)

Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) is designed to give students essential skills required for entry-level employment as law enforcement officers with state, county, or municipal governments, or with private enterprise.

Basic Law Enforcement Training

This program utilizes state-commission-mandated topics and methods of instruction. General subjects include but are not limited to criminal, juvenile, civil, traffic, and alcoholic beverage laws; investigation, patrol, custody, and court procedures; emergency responses; and ethics and community relations.

The course provides the participant with the background in the fundamentals of law, procedures, and techniques necessary for success as a law enforcement officer. A rigorous program introduces participants to the handling of firearms, driving techniques, and defensive tactics. A physical fitness program is included as part of the course. Upon completion of all academy requirements, the participant will take the NC Criminal Justice Commission examination.

CCC&TI offers the following program in this area:

For more information about course descriptions or required courses, refer to the current CCC&TI Course Catalog. Courses in the BLET program are taught during the day.

Police officer working on a computer

BLET Admission Information

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for admission to the BLET Academy, an individual must:

  • be at least twenty (20) years of age
  • possess a high school diploma or high school equivalency
  • have a background free from criminal offenses
  • complete all paperwork in the BLET application packet
  • take the reading placement test
  • be sponsored by a law enforcement agency

Please refer to the Admissions Information document for complete admissions requirements.

Procedure

Applicants must complete all requirements in the application process before being placed on the list of eligible candidates. Eligible candidates with completed application packets are accepted to the program on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications Process

  1. Obtain an application packet from the BLET Program Assistant.
  2. Complete all forms in the packet, returning the curriculum application to Student Development and remaining forms to the BLET Program Assistant.
  3. Schedule a reading placement test with the Testing Center.
  4. Request an official copy of high school transcript, high school equivalency, adult high school diploma, and/or college transcripts be sent electronically or mailed to Student Records, CCC&TI.
  5. Obtain a sponsorship from a law enforcement agency.

Remember that the deadline for acceptance of all the admissions documents is approximately 6 weeks prior to the start of the course. To increase your chances of admission, begin the admissions process early!

Costs

Tuition for BLET Academy participants is waived with a letter of sponsorship from an area law enforcement agency. Other costs include books, accident insurance, and a uniform for physical fitness. Expenses typically total $900-$1000.

Career Information

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook website:

  • The national median annual pay in 2012 was $56,980; or hourly rate of $27.40
  • Employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 5 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations. Continued interest for public safety will lead to new openings for officers; however, jobs may be competitive, depending on location.

To learn more about a career in the Basic Law Enforcement field, visit CCC&TI's Career Coach site for the following program:

Career Coach logo Basic Law Enforcement Training

There are no additional costs for this program outside of tuition, fees, books, and supplies.

Working conditions

The DOL's Occupational Outlook Handbook states:

  • Police and detective work can be physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous.
  • Police officers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.
  • Working around the clock in shifts is common.

Licensure: Authorization granted to CCC&TI to provide instruction within another state does not imply or provide guarantees of any kind that an individual will be granted professional licensure by another state as a result of completing coursework at CCC&TI or receiving professional licensure in North Carolina. It is the sole responsibility of the individual/student to determine whether another college or license-awarding agency in another state will accept CCC&TI coursework and/or award licensure through a reciprocity agreement with the State of North Carolina.

Resources

Contacts