Entrance Requirements

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Academy Entrance Requirements

Follow this link for a detailed list of the basic academy application/selection process.

The Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety provides recruit programs in various formats, designed to prepare students to meet requirements of the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC). Upon successful completion of an academy, students apply to take the State Officers Certification Exam (SOCE). A successful completion of the state exam allows the graduates to be eligible for employment as a Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Corrections Officer, or Correctional Probation Officer in the State of Florida. Standards for each program of study are set by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC), staff from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and state law. The PSC Institute of Public Safety exceeds those minimums in all areas of training.

The following is a list of the minimum qualifications;

* Be at least 19 years of age
* Be a high school graduate or equivalent
* Submit to FDLE and FBI criminal history checks
* Submit a copy of driving history
* Successfully complete the application and selection process
* Be of good moral character
* Be a citizen of the United States
* Not have received a dishonorable discharge from the Armed Forces
You must not have been convicted of any felony, or misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement. Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of a felony or a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement shall not be eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication. Notwithstanding this subsection, any person who has pled nolo contendere to a misdemeanor involving a false statement, prior to December 1, 1985 and has had such record sealed or expunged shall not be deemed ineligible for employment or appointment as an officer.

* If you have a sealed or expunged record you have not disclosed to the training school, you may complete the training but may not be eligible for employment or appointment as a criminal justice officer.

* In addition, Federal Law prohibits a person from performing law enforcement officer duties if convicted in any court of the misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Basic Abilities Test

Before you can start the application selection process you must take and pass a Basic Abilities Test for the discipline that you are applying for.
Polk State College's Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety currently administers the Basic Abilities Test for both Law Enforcement and Corrections applicants. The test consists of multiple-choice questions that assess memorization, language, visualization and reasoning skills.
Applicants should come to the Criminal Justice Institute office on the Winter Haven campus to prepay and register for the test prior to test day.

Physical Agilities Test

Click here to view/print the current Physical Agilities Test.