Basic Law Enforcement Training
For Additional Information Contact:
Billy White
Director of Law Enforcement Training
(252) 246-1264
E-mail: bwhite@wilsoncc.edu
Jason Hunt
BLET Coordinator
(252) 246-1215
E-mail:jhunt@wilsoncc.edu
General Information
Basic Law Enforcement Training is an accredited program of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education & Training Standards Commission. Upon successful completion of this program, students may sit for the comprehensive State certification examination, which is one of the many requirements mandated by the North Carolina Administrative Code for employment as a police officer or Deputy Sheriff. The Academy is a full-time program conducted over a period of 17 weeks and consisting of 654 hours of training. Class sessions are held Monday through Friday starting at 7:00 a.m. with the schedule varying depending upon the training topic of the day. Occasional night training is mandated.
Academy Environment
Basic Law Enforcement Training is conducted in a para-military environment. While many of the principles and practices of military training are utilized in BLET, the goals differ from that of the military. All training practices at the Coastal Plain Law Enforcement Training Center are aimed at one result – the creation of an entry level officer who has acquired a high level of job knowledge, who is prepared for the physical challenges of the job, who has developed a professional appearance and attitude, and who appreciates the benefits of treating people with dignity and respect. To this end emphasis is placed on:
- Academic Excellence: The pass rate on the State Certification Exam since January 1991 is 99.8%. That is based on 425 Cadets passing the exam out of 426 sitting for the exam.
- Physical Fitness & Wellness: Cadets participate in a challenging, but not impossible, program of physical activities to prepare for the rigors of the job. Activities include calisthenics, weight training, group runs, and aerobics. Combined with attention to proper diet, Cadets can expect weight loss and an improved sense of self-esteem.
- Discipline: Survival and professional service are based upon the development of a high level of discipline. The concept of discipline encompasses learning to do what has to be done, and then doing it in an orderly, well planned, and team like manner. It includes the development of self-control, character, efficiency and dependability. With discipline comes a recognition of tradition, pride, honor and duty. Disciplined officers quickly gain recognition by their superiors and become leaders in their agency.
Admission of Cadets
Applicants for admission to the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Academy will be expected to possess those requisites for employment as a police officer or Deputy Sheriff as established by the North Carolina Administrative Code, as well as admission requirements of Wilson Community College. This includes:
- Candidates must be employed or sponsored by a police department or Sheriff’s Office, as documented on agency letterhead. Assistance in establishing sponsorship is available to qualified applicants upon request.
- The employing or sponsoring agency must attest, through appropriate record checks, that the candidate does not possess a criminal history that would be grounds for denying certification as a law enforcement officer. In addition, the employing or sponsoring agency must verify that no outstanding warrants exist for the applicant.
- Candidates must be 20 years of age at the time of enrollment or have prior written authorization from the Director of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards Division if less than 20 years of age.
- Applicants must provide proof of medical condition on North Carolina Training & Standards Commission forms F-1 Medical History Statement and F-2 Medical Examination Report. In addition, each applicant shall provide documentation of a negative standard employment drug screen.
- Each candidate shall complete and submit a BLET Applicant Personal History Statement providing true, complete and accurate information documenting his or her background.
- Candidates shall provide documentation of graduation from high school or proof of GED.
- Candidates must be a citizen of the United States.
- Candidates must possess a valid North Carolina Drivers license.
- Although not currently mandated, applicants for admission to the Basic Law Enforcement Training program should possess a documented reading level at or above 10th grade.
- Applicants should be in reasonably good physical condition, good health, and highly motivated.
Cost
North Carolina Community College System rules provide a tuition exemption for all employed law enforcement officers, including BLET applicants sponsored by a law enforcement agency or Sheriff. This is a savings of approximately $560.00 to the individual or agency. Required books, materials, and ammunition are provided by the college at no cost to the student. Required clothing and medical examination are the student's responsibility at an approximate cost of $350.00. This program is approved for Pell Grant. Students should contact the financial aid office for more information. Weapons, leather gear, handcuffs, and vehicles are provided by Wilson Community College at no cost to the student.
Lodging
North Carolina Community College System rules prohibit on-site housing of students. However, assistance in making appropriate lodging arrangements will be provided to any Cadet in need.
Wilson Community College will not be financially responsible for any such lodging.
Certification
Upon satisfactory completion of all Academy requirements and a passing score on the Commission administered state examination, the student will be eligible for probationary certification as a law enforcement officer or Deputy Sheriff. Those graduates who complete the Academy as sponsored Cadets are now eligible for employment and probationary certification.
Job Placement
The Coastal Plain Law Enforcement Training Center has an excellent history of preparing well trained entry level officers. Having a state-wide reputation, the Academy has been a recruiting ground for agencies throughout the state. The employment rate for graduates of the Coastal Plain Law Enforcement Training Center for the past ten years is 100%.
What Others Say:
"The Coastal Plain Law Enforcement Training Center, with its proud history, has a reputation for graduating only those Cadets from BLET who are physically and mentally up to the job."
"Wilson Community College’s BLET program is dedicated to providing the highest quality law enforcement training in the state. Cadets are trained to be professional officers for tomorrow’s challenges. Officers who graduate from this Academy become professionals carrying out a mission to safeguard lives and property and to respect the constitutional rights of people. In pursuit of career advancement, many Tarboro police officers continue to build on the professional skills learned during BLET at Wilson Community College."
"I have been affiliated with the Coastal Plain Law Enforcement Training Center for many years, and have always found both my personal and professional experiences rewarding. The knowledge, skills and discipline instilled in Cadets who graduate from Coastal Plain serves them well throughout their career. I have the utmost respect for the level of training offered at Coastal Plain Law Enforcement Training Center and strongly support their efforts."
"I commend Wilson Community College for its outstanding Basic Law Enforcement Training program. A majority of Deputies from the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office have graduated from this program. Needless to say, I am well pleased with this program, because my officers have been very well trained."
