Deputy Sheriffs' Training
Basic Law Enforcement Training -The current Commission mandated Basic Law Enforcement Training Course, as outlined in Rule .0502 of the Administrative Code, should contain a minimum of 602 hours of instruction.
Once a deputy sheriff becomes initially employed with a sheriff's department, he/she is then placed on a probationary period for twelve months. During the probationary period, the deputy sheriff should complete a Basic Law Enforcement Training Course. An individual may also choose to enroll in the Basic Law Enforcement Training Course at a local community college or at the North Carolina Justice Academy. Successful completion of BLET remains valid for a period of one year from the date of passing the state examination.
The rules governing the minimum standards for completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training are found in Title 12, Subchapter 9B, Section .04000 of the North Carolina Administrative Code. These rules are administered by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.
Lateral Transfers-Some individuals sworn as deputies who have prior North Carolina law enforcement service may qualify as lateral transfers and not be required to complete any additional training:
| Did you hold General or Grandfather Certification as a Law Enforcement Officer or Deputy Sheriff in NC? |
YES
|
| Have you been out of service for less than 1 year? |
YES
|
| If you answered Yes for both questions, then you are a Lateral Transfer. |
If you held Grandfather Certification, then your certification will transfer with no additional training. If you held General Certification, you will be credited for the BLET, but may have to complete remedial training in some areas depending on when you went through that course. If remedial training is required, you are allowed a one-year period in which to complete that training.
|
Prior Law Enforcement Service-Other individuals being sworn as deputies who may have prior out-of-state, federal, or North Carolina law enforcement service may qualify to attempt to challenge the state examination and undergo a skills assessment:
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Do you have at least 2 years full-time experience as sworn law enforcement officer either in North Carolina or with a Federal or Out-of-State Agency? Note: Military Law Enforcement is not credited |
YES You will need to provide documentation of your prior service as well as documentation that such service meets the definition of sworn law enforcement position. |
| Did you hold certification with the relevant Peace Officer's Standards and Training agency either in North Carolina, another state, or federal agency? |
Yes. You will need to provide documentation of this certification. |
| Did you holds general powers of arrest either in North Carolina or with a Federal or Out-of-State Agency? |
Yes. You will need to provide documentation that your service meets the defition of general powers of arrest. |
If you answered YES to the above questions, you have a choice between:
Option 1
Within the twelve-month probationary period, challenge the BLET state examination
and undergo a skills assessment. The current exam comprises six units totaling
300 objective questions. The applicant must score a minimum of 70% on each
unit to successfully complete the state examination. The skills assessment
consists of five areas: First Responder; Firearms; Law Enforcement Drivers'
Training; Physical Fitness; and Subject Control Arrest Techniques. The applicant
must demonstrate satisfactory knowledge of each skills related activity before
a certified instructor. Successful completion of the assessment must be documented
by the instructor on a Commission-approved form.
Option 2
Enroll in and successfully complete a Basic Law Enforcement (BLET) course.