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Program Snapshot
Academic CredentialCertificate
Total Credit Hours770 CT / 25.6 V
Academic PathwayPublic Safety
AdvisorDaryl White
Associate Director, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Programs
850.769.1551 ext. 5613
dwhite6@gulfcoast.edu

Senior Administrative AssistantElizabeth Kelly
850.872.3878
ekelly@gulfcoast.edu

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Public Safety Division Track your progress Degree Audit

Law Enforcement Officer, Certificate

Are You Interested in Helping Others and Making your Community Safe?

Do you get upset when you see others treated unfairly? Do you enjoy righting wrongs and helping others? If any of these are true about you, consider a career as a Law Enforcement Officer and be part of the solution to keeping your community safe and productive. Become the leader you were meant to be with the skills you will learn in the police academy at Gulf Coast State College.

The subjects covered in the academy will keep you interested and engaged. You will learn many subjects, such as firearms, basic first-aid, defensive tactics, constitutional law and many other subjects. You will have to demonstrate proficiency in the high liability areas of firearms, defensive tactics, vehicle operations n and first-aid.  Completion of the Law Enforcement Certificate Program can be used towards the completion of the Criminal Justice AS Degree.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed this program and other important information, please visit www.gulfcoast.edu/ge/loef.

Woman Searching Car

Law Enforcement Officer Course Requirements

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Law Enforcement Courses
Criminal Justice Courses

A complete list of courses with descriptions can be found in the Catalog

What can you do with a Law Enforcement Officer Certificate?

What jobs will you find with a Law Enforcement Officer Certificate?

Corrections Specialists
Corrections Officers
Investigations Officers
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Security Officers

Gulf Coast alumni of this program have continued their education at:

Gulf Coast State College
Florida State University
University of Florida

K9 Law Enforcement

Who is eligible to Apply for the Law Enforcement Officer  Certificate Program?

To be eligible to apply to the program, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be at least 19 years of age
  • Not discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
  • Be of good moral character and NOT have been convicted of a felony, or any misdemeanor involving lying or perjury
  • Complete a physical examination by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant attesting capability of performing essential functions of the officer position
  • Submit to and pass background investigation that includes a fingerprint check
  • Passing score on the Florida Basic Abilities Test.

Why Choose Gulf Coast State College to Earn Your Law Enforcement Officer Certificate?

  • If you haven’t already been to Gulf Coast’s North Bay campus, you should know that we’re located just north of Southport. 
  • We have state of the art classrooms with the latest in electronic technology. Gulf Coast State College’s law enforcement academy also has five firing ranges, a driving range, and a multipurpose room for defensive tactics.
  • Our instructors are among the best in the field. We use active, former and retired law enforcement officers. You will benefit from their years of experience.
Students at the firing range

Firearms Training

Firearms training is one of the four high liability subjects which requires a student to demonstrate proficiency.

Are you ready to Get Started?

Apply to GCSC

Visit the Gulf Coast admissions page to learn more about the application process.

Consult the Gulf Coast State College Catalog for specific program and course information.

Contact Daryl White (dwhite6@gulfcoast.edu) to receive a law enforcement academy application packet.

Apply to Gulf Coast

Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

There are many options available to help you pay for college. Find out more about  scholarships and financial aid at Gulf Coast State College.

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Register for Classes

Check out the class registration dates and plan your schedule today.

REGISTER

Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.