Criminal Justice Institute Application Overview

The Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) of Hillsborough Community College operates under the statutory authority and regulation of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).

The Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission was established by the Florida Legislature to oversee employment and training for law enforcement and correctional officers. The mission of the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission is to ensure that the citizens of Florida are served by the most qualified, well-trained, ethical and professional officers in the nation.

Requirements for Employment

All individuals either employed or appointed as a full-time, part-time, or auxiliary law enforcement officer in the state of Florida must meet the following minimum qualifications established by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and Section 943.13, Florida Statutes:

  1. Be at least 19 years of age.
  2. Be a citizen of the United States.
  3. Be a high school graduate or its equivalent.
  4. Not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.
  5. Not have plead guilty or Nolo Contendere after July 1, 1981, to any felony or misdemeanor involving perjury, false statement or domestic violence, whether or not adjudication was withheld or sentence suspended.
  6. Not have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the United States Armed Forces.
  7. Have a good moral character as defined by Subsection 943.13 (7), Florida Statutes and F.A.C. 11B-27.0011.
  8. Complete a sworn application.
  9. Have passed a background investigation.
  10. Have been fingerprinted.
  11. Have successfully completed a medical examination to include an EKG and drug screen.
  12. Have successfully completed a CJSTC approved basic recruit training program.
  13. Have achieved an acceptable score on the CJSTC approved Officer Certification examination.
  14. Have obtained employment within four years of beginning the CJSTC approved basic recruit training program.

Disclaimer

The Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission established minimum qualifications only. Law enforcement agencies may have additional qualifications or restrictions for employment or appointment.

The Criminal Justice Institute strongly recommends that all students check with employing agencies for any additional requirements or restrictions before seeking admission to the law enforcement program. The Criminal Justice Institute does not guarantee employment or appointment after successfully completing the law enforcement program. It is the student’s responsibility to seek and obtain employment. Students are encouraged to seek employment with city, county and state criminal justice agencies throughout Florida.

Law Enforcement Training Program

The 770-hour Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program is for students seeking a career as a city, county or state law enforcement officer. A law enforcement officer is vested with authority to bear arms and make arrests; whose primary responsibilities are the prevention and detection of crime, and the enforcement of penal, criminal, and traffic laws. Students enrolled in this program are required to successfully complete the following courses: