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The Pre-Employment Police Basic Training Program provides students with the opportunity to complete many of the requirements of basic police training (Phase 1) before being hired as a police officer in New York State. New York State now allows approved police academies to offer men and women interested in police careers the opportunity to complete much of the mandated academy work prior to being hired by a department. Through a partnership with the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy, SUNY Niagara is authorized to offer academic credit for the Phase 1 program and is now accepting applications.
The program is full-time, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for five months. It is offered twice a year with sessions beginning in August and February each year. This condensed program allows you to earn 30 academic credits in one extended semester.
Benefits of the program:
Career information and opportunities
Police Basic Training Certificate
SUNY Niagara’s Police Basic Training Certificate is a five-month, 30-credit pre-employment academy run with the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy. Complete Phase 1 of New York State police training before you’re hired.
Last updated: Oct. 22, 2026
What careers does this certificate lead to?
What does it take to get hired?
How can I move up?
With experience, officers can move into specialized units like K-9, traffic or SWAT. They can also become detectives and investigators, or get promoted to sergeant, lieutenant and higher. Promotions usually depend on experience, civil service exams and sometimes a college degree.
How much can I earn in Western New York?
Starting pay is what newer workers typically earn. Median means half of workers earn more and half earn less. Experienced patrol officers in the region earn about $90,610.
Western New York includes Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. The median for all jobs in the region is about $51,360. Pay depends on the agency, your rank and your years of service.
What is the job outlook in Western New York?
Across all jobs in Western New York, employment is expected to grow about 9%. Law enforcement jobs are expected to grow more than twice as fast.
Where do police officers work?
What is the academy like?
How do I get there?
Phase 1 doesn’t include firearms, radar, active shooter response or reality-based scenario training. Those come in Phase 2 after you’re hired. Completing the program doesn’t guarantee a job.
Who can apply?
Which courses prepare me?
The 30-credit hour certificate program is achieved through collaboration between SUNY Niagara and the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy (NCLEA) and incorporates all of the NYS approved pre-employment curriculum and objectives. Although the program does not guarantee admission into a police department, all foundational requirements of a full-time basic police academy apply to this program, including physical fitness, para-military organizational development, attendance and academics. ** Students in this Phase 1 program will not engage in firearms, radar, active shooter and reality based training**
The training is conducted in two phases. The first phase, Pre-employment Police Basic Training, may be attended by non-sworn personnel as well as appointed police officers. Candidates must complete Phase 2 after being hired by a police agency. The second phase of training is presented only to sworn police officers pursuant to Title 9 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York Part 6020 (9 NYCRR 6020).
Students must pass the exit standards set by NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services and the NCLEA to receive Phase 1 Certificate.
In order to be considered for employment, candidates must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States and may not have been convicted of a felony.