Basic Law Enforcement Training
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.
This program utilizes State Commission mandated topics and methods of instruction. General subjects include (but are not limited to) criminal, juvenile, civil, traffic and alcohol beverage laws; investigative, patrol, custody and court procedures; emergency responses; and ethics and community relations.
Students must successfully complete and pass all units of study, including the certification examinations mandated by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission, to receive a certificate.
Degrees Offered in BLET
| Program | Code / CIP |
|---|---|
| Basic Law Enforcement Training | — |
| Basic Law Enforcement Training – Certificate | C55120 43.0107 |
Program Details
McDowell Technical Community College offers two Basic Law Enforcement Training programs that provide a schedule for anyone meeting the requirements to attend. The programs cover a wide variety of law enforcement training in 648 hours. The program is para-military structured—rigorous and demanding, both academically and physically.
Candidates should begin a physical training regimen prior to attending (consult a physician for guidance). Upon successful completion of all required instruction and testing, candidates will take a comprehensive state exam administered by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
Requirements
- Be 20 years of age upon entry or be 19 at entry and 20 at course completion (with School Director & Director approval).
- Meet standards of the Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Score at least 10th-grade level on a reading placement test.
- No felony convictions; no Class B misdemeanor within the last five years.
- Good physical condition.
- U.S. citizen.
Required Materials
Must be obtained prior to the first day of class.
Students must obtain the most current BLET CD from the NC Justice Academy.
Books Required
- Arrest, Search, and Investigation in North Carolina, 6th ed. (2021) — Robert L. Farb, Christopher Tyner — ISBN: 978-1642380415
- North Carolina Crimes, 7th ed. (2012) — Jessica Smith — ISBN: 978-1560116820
- 2020 Supplement to North Carolina Crimes, 7th ed. — Jessica Smith, James M. Markham
Books may be purchased from: UNC School of Government Publications or NCJA Bookstore, or via Amazon (ensure latest editions).
Costs
Tuition is currently waived through agency sponsorship. Most books and lesson plans are provided through our tablet rental program, keeping total fees minimal.
What Is a Sponsorship?
A law enforcement agency reviews your criminal record and signs a sponsorship form. This is not a promise to pay costs or a job offer; it simply verifies that you meet criteria indicating you could be employable by a law enforcement agency upon successful program completion.
Financial Aid
Visit the Financial Aid office.
Phone: (828) 652-0602 or (828) 652-0624.
Veterans benefits are also available for the BLET program.
Schedule of BLET Classes
Contact the program office for upcoming academy dates and application deadlines.