Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Academy?
The Northeast Florida Criminal Justice Training and Education Center commonly referred to as the Police and Corrections Academy is a joint commitment between the Florida Community College at Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office. The basic Corrections and Law Enforcement and other Courses are instructed through FCCJ while the Advanced and Trust Fund Courses are instructed by the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office. This training center services the Region V agencies in Duval and Nassau Counties.

Where is the Academy
We are located at the west end of the FCCJ North Campus, 4501 Capper Road Jacksonville, Fl 32218. Telephone number 904.713.4900.

Do I need a College Education to be able to attend the Academy?
No, the academy entrance standards are established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Currently, FDLE requires only a high school diploma or GED and that you be at least 19 years of age to be accepted in a Police Academy Training Program.

Do I need a College Education to become a police officer?
No, although some agencies may require a college degree there are a greater number that only require a high school diploma or GED.

What do I need to do to be able to attend the Academy?
All basic class candidates must meet the minimum state qualifications for certification in the appropriate Basic Corrections or Law Enforcement fields. They must also meet those additional standards of the academy. All Basic class candidates must pass a rigorous screening process which includes a Physical Agility Test, oral interview, criminal history check, FBAT examination, and other areas. We use the minimum hiring standards and disqualifiers that are used by the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office to screen potential candidates.

What is the cost to attend the Academy? 
Each course has a total cost based upon tuition for contact hours and instructional fees. See Fee Schedule.

Are there any other charges or fees to attend Academy courses? 
All books, supplies, ammunition, and other training materials are provided in the course fees. Additional charges for items such as uniforms and applicant processing cost's are approximately $300 depending on the Program.

Is financial aid available to those wishing to attend the Academy?
Basic Law Enforcement qualifies for financial aid; however, Basic Corrections and crossover programs do not. Please contact the North Campus Financial Aid Office at 904.766.6700 for information on grants, loans, tuition assistance, and Montgomery G. I. Bill. There is Financial Aid available for those programs which meet the federal and state requirements.

What are the minimum age requirements to attend the Academy? 
You must be at least 19 years of age.

Is it necessary to be a Florida resident to attend the Academy? 
No, you must be a citizen of the United States. It should be noted that recruits from other states will be subject to out of state fees which are substantially higher for Non-Florida Residents. Military students are exempt from out of state fees.

Do attendees of the Academy have to reside there during the training?
No, this is not an on-site residence Academy.

Do you need a sponsor to attend the Academy?
Some attendees are sponsored to the Academy by agencies they work for, but no sponsorship is required to be admitted to most of the Academy courses.

Does the Academy have a job placement service?
The Academy instructors invite recruiters from every agency within Region V to address each class. For specific agency hiring information visit the agency websites. The Criminal Justice Department also has an Open House/Recruitment Fair twice each year, in October and April.