VETERANS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

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VETERANS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

The Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST) and the Black River Technical College Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) are happy to providing assistance to qualified Military Veterans that are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.  The application process consists of the following steps:

  1. Military Veterans interested in applying for the program should contact Director Steve Shults for information regarding the program and to begin the application process.
  2. The candidate for the program will be required to complete and submit an application packet to LETA. The packet will consist of the following forms/documents.
    1. LETA/CLEST Program Application
    2. Personal History Statement (CLEST Form-3)
    3. Waiver/Release and Hold Harmless Statement
    4. A short essay prepared by the applicant in which he/she explains why they are interested in becoming a law enforcement officer and lists the qualifications and experience they possess that would help them in that endeavor.
    5. A physical examination conducted by a physician. Physical Training Form and Form F2
    6. A psychological evaluation conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist.  Form F2b
    7. A physical fitness test administered by LETA.
    8. Click here for a list of additional documents required.
  3. An ACIC/NCIC Criminal History Check will be conducted on all applicants upon receipt of the completed Personal History Statement and Waiver forms. The application will be reviewed to verify that the applicant meets the qualifications specified by CLEST Rules and Regulations.
  4. Applicants that successfully complete the oral interview process may be selected by the Committee for further consideration depending upon the number of positions available in the program.
  5. A background investigation will be completed on applicants that successfully complete the oral interview process. The Committee will review the results of the background investigation and approve applicants deemed qualified for admittance to the program.
  6. The Director and CLEST will be the final approving authority for an applicant’s acceptance into the program.

BRTC’s Veteran Affairs page has information on applying for the GI Bill®.

To be eligible to apply for the Veterans to Law Enforcement Program, applicants must meet the following requirements (CLEST Regulation 1005);

  1. Shall have served at least six months active duty in the Armed Services within ten (10) years prior to application.
  2. Meet minimum standards for employment as required by an Arkansas Law Enforcement Officer as specified in CLEST Rules 1002.
  3. Successfully complete an oral interview.
  4. Pay the non-refundable cost of the training to BRTC-LETA prior to attending the Basic Training Course.

Notes: 

  • Veterans failing the Basic Police Training Course are ineligible to attend another course for a 24-month period as specified in CLEST Regulation 1005(e) and would be ineligible for 2nd entry into the program. 
  • Veterans that have not accepted employment as a law enforcement officer within three years of successful completion of a Basic Police Training Course, the certification shall expire. 
  • The cost to attend the program is $5,500 for students to attend the program at the Black River Technical College Law Enforcement Training Academy.  If a veteran resides within approved commuting distance and does not require housing, breakfast, and evening meals, the cost to attend the Academy is $4,500.  100% eligibility for the GI bill will only cover normal college expenses.  (i.e. Tuition and fees that are the same for every student across each program of study. To see current tuition and fees click here. The Basic Academy is based on 24 credit hours.  The rest of the cost will be out of pocket.) 
  • Payment must be received in full before credit is given for the class.  Certificate issuance will be delayed until payment is received.