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:
- Over 90% employment rate for graduates
- Greatly increase likelihood of being hired by a police agency
- Earn 30 college credits while completing the training
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.
- Must be able to pass Qualifying Physical Fitness Screening Test
- 19 years of age or older with high school diploma or equivalency
- Must possess a valid NYS driver’s license
- Must pass background investigation
- No felony/misdemeanor convictions
- Interview with co-directors
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.
- Complete student application on SUNY Niagara Website
- Schedule and take the PT test
- Pass preliminary background
- Schedule interview with co-directors
If you are accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter from NCLEA
**Students applying to the SUNY Niagara program will not be automatically accepted into the academy. They must meet all requirements listed above**