Law Enforcement

The Law Enforcement Training Program at Wilkes Community College is responsible for, and committed to, providing the highest level of training capabilities to those who serve, safeguard and secure our communities. Guided by integrity, our commitment to excellence, professionalism and cultivation of strategic partnerships the Law Enforcement Training Program provides exceptional education, realistic training, and continuous support for law enforcement professionals consistent with established standards.

Courses include:

  • Basic Law Enforcement Training (LET-3110)
  • Detention Officer Certification Course (CJC-3941)
  • Telecommunicator Certification Course (CJC-3942)
  • School Resource Officer Training (CJC-4040)
  • Mandated In-Service Training (CJC-3952)

WCC’s Law Enforcement Training Program operates under the full approval of the North Carolina Criminal Justice Evaluations and Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission.

For more information or to enroll, contact:

Image of Ken Graybeal
Ken Graybeal, BS
Director of Law Enforcement Training
Phone: 336-838-6120
kdgraybeal062@wilkescc.edu
Image of Rob Powers
Rob Powers, BS
Program Coordinator/Certified Qualified Assistant within Law Enforcement
Phone: 336-838-6561
rtpowers584@wilkescc.edu

Course Descriptions

The North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training course is a state-accredited program designed to prepare entry-level individuals with the cognitive and physical skills to become certified police officers and deputy sheriffs. Upon successful completion of the NCDOJ Commission mandated course, academy graduates will be eligible for certification for employment as a sworn law enforcement officer within the State of North Carolina. Wilkes Community College typically schedules two academies (Spring/Fall) annually. Applicants are required to meet all required qualifications including agency sponsorship.

For more information or to enroll, contact:

Image of Ken Graybeal
Ken Graybeal, BS
Director of Law Enforcement Training
Phone: 336-838-6120
kdgraybeal062@wilkescc.edu
Image of Rob Powers
Rob Powers, BS
Program Coordinator/Certified Qualified Assistant within Law Enforcement
Phone: 336-838-6561
rtpowers584@wilkescc.edu

The North Carolina Detention Officer Certification Course is a state-accredited program designed to prepare entry-level individuals with the cognitive and physical skills to become certified detention officers.  Upon successful completion of the Course, graduates will be eligible for certification as a Detention Officer through the North Carolina Sheriff’s Commission.  Wilkes Community College typically schedules four Detention Officer Certification Courses throughout the year.

For more information or to enroll, contact:

Image of Ken Graybeal
Ken Graybeal, BS
Director of Law Enforcement Training
Phone: 336-838-6120
kdgraybeal062@wilkescc.edu
Image of Rob Powers
Rob Powers, BS
Program Coordinator/Certified Qualified Assistant within Law Enforcement
Phone: 336-838-6561
rtpowers584@wilkescc.edu

The North Carolina Telecommunicator Certification Course is a state accredited program designed to prepare entry-level individuals with the cognitive and physical skills to become certified telecommunicators. Upon successful completion of the Course, graduates will be eligible for certification as a telecommunicator through the North Carolina Sheriff’s Commission.  Wilkes Community College typically schedules two Telecommunicator Certification Courses a year.

For more information or to enroll, contact:

Image of Ken Graybeal
Ken Graybeal, BS
Director of Law Enforcement Training
Phone: 336-838-6120
kdgraybeal062@wilkescc.edu
Image of Rob Powers
Rob Powers, BS
Program Coordinator/Certified Qualified Assistant within Law Enforcement
Phone: 336-838-6561
rtpowers584@wilkescc.edu

This course is a state accredited program designed to provide the trainee with skills and knowledge to perform in the capacity of a School Resource Officer (SRO.)  This Course complies with the requirements of the North Carolina Justice Academy and is open only to sworn law enforcement personnel. Wilkes Community College typically schedules one class a year during the summer.

For more information or to enroll, contact:

Image of Ken Graybeal
Ken Graybeal, BS
Director of Law Enforcement Training
Phone: 336-838-6120
kdgraybeal062@wilkescc.edu
Image of Rob Powers
Rob Powers, BS
Program Coordinator/Certified Qualified Assistant within Law Enforcement
Phone: 336-838-6561
rtpowers584@wilkescc.edu

These courses are mandated by both the North Carolina Criminal Justice Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriff’s Standards Commission and are required to maintain continued certification as a criminal justice officer. Wilkes Community College offers Law Enforcement In-Service, Detention Officer In-Service and Telecommunicator In-Service. These classes are typically offered multiple times throughout the year and are only open to individuals currently certified by the NC Criminal Justice Commission or the NC Sheriff’s Commission.

For more information or to enroll, contact:

Image of Ken Graybeal
Ken Graybeal, BS
Director of Law Enforcement Training
Phone: 336-838-6120
kdgraybeal062@wilkescc.edu
Image of Rob Powers
Rob Powers, BS
Program Coordinator/Certified Qualified Assistant within Law Enforcement
Phone: 336-838-6561
rtpowers584@wilkescc.edu

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.