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 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.
You MUST preregister for this course by setting up an appointment with the school director to obtain an application packet for the program. WCC offers both a day and night class for BLET.
Admission Requirements
Enrollment is restricted to applicants who meet the following criteria:
- At least 20 years of age
- Citizen of the United States
- Provide copy of birth certificate
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Possess a High School Diploma or High School Equivalency
- Provide copy of high school diploma and official transcript to the director of law enforcement training
- Provide an official high school transcript to the WCC Admissions Office
- Have not been convicted of any criminal offense which disqualifies a person from being a law enforcement officer in North Carolina
- Obtain certified criminal history checks from the Clerk of Court’s Office from all locations lived in since age of 16 years old
- Obtain sponsorship from a local law enforcement agency
- Undergo a medical examination resulting in no medical restrictions (forms provided)
- Complete a WCC application for admission online
- Take a reading assessment test administered by the director of law enforcement training
Expenses
- Books: $550 (estimate)
- Supply fee: $200
- Fees not associated with tuition (insurance, parking, etc.): $75
- Total estimated cost: $850
Contact Information
Technical Standards
The Basic Law Enforcement Training program technical standards have been developed to inform students of the nonacademic essential functions of the program and profession. Examples are not all inclusive.
| Standard |
Essential Function |
Examples |
Communication
Oral / Written |
- Skills sufficient to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
- Skills sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
|
- Interact with citizens verbally and in writing
- Testify in court to present evidence or act as a witness
- Make public presentations on law enforcement issues
|
| Mobility / Motor Skills |
- Motor skills sufficient to move the hands and use hands to grasp or manipulate objects
- Ability to safely operate in and around vehicles
- Mobility sufficient to maneuver in varied terrain
- Mobility sufficient to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body
|
- Maintain firearms proficiency
- Safely drive a vehicle
- Physical activities may include:
- Running
- Jumping
- Bending
- Stooping
- Crawling
- Climbing
- Reaching
|
| Physical Strength and Stamina |
- Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time
- Ability sufficient to lift and carry a minimum of 40 pounds
|
- Work long hours including night or evening shifts
- Wear and carry gear
|
Sensory
- Sight
- Sound
- Taste
- Touch
- Smell
|
- Visual skills sufficient to see details at close range
- Listening skills sufficient to communicate with others
- Ability to touch to perform physical assessments
- Ability to tolerate various odors
|
- Identify objects, actions, and events
- Negotiate and resolve disputes
- Hear equipment/emergency alarms or calls for help
- Feel for pulse
- Work with citizens with poor hygiene
|
| Environmental / Occupational Exposure |
- Exposure to communicable and infectious diseases
- Exposure to blood and bodily fluids
- Environmental hazards
- Exposure to extreme temperatures and weather conditions
- Ability to respond quickly and work under high stress situations
|
- Possible exposure to HIV, hepatitis, etc.
- Exposure to drugs and drug paraphernalia
- Respond appropriately in emergency to maintain safety
|
| Field or Industry Professional Standards |
- Must meet vision and hearing standards established by the State of North Carolina and/or employing agency
- Criminal background check
- Valid driver’s license
- Must be 21 years old
|
|
Disability Services Statement
Wilkes Community College is an ADA compliant institution. WCC does not discriminate based on a disability in the admissions process or in access to its programs, services, and/or activities for qualified individuals who meet eligibility requirements. WCC will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities who are eligible to receive or participate in college programs, services, and/or activities. If a student believes that he/she cannot meet one or more of a program’s essential functions without accommodations, the student is encouraged to disclose this to Disability Services as soon as possible.
