Corrections Academy

The Corrections Academy provides recruits with the training needed to pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement State Certification Examination. St. Petersburg College, Southeastern Public Safety Institute is an approved Florida Department of Law Enforcement training center and uses the curriculum of the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC).

The Corrections Academy lasts 15 weeks, Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for a total of 576 hours. Afternoon to evening academies are held occasionally. Tuition: In State $2,200 / Out of State $6,933.38

The Corrections Academy focuses on correctional operations, as well as on defensive tactics, weapons and emergency preparedness. Graduates of this academy can serve in local sheriffs' departments, the Florida Department of Corrections' facilities and private correctional companies. Students who successfully complete the law enforcement academy can use specific training as coursework towards their A.S. degree.

Tuition: In State $2,200 / Out of State $6,933.38

1. Advisement: Call the Corrections Academy Office for information or an appointment (727) 341-4490.

2. Entry Requirements:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED (with transcripts or copy).
  
• Must be at least 19 years old.
  
• Must be a student or apply to be at St. Petersburg College ($35 application fee).
  
• Must achieve a score on the College Placement Test of 83 or higher in English Sentence Skills and Reading Comprehension
  
• Background investigation conducted by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Officeconducted by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and Basic Abilities Test For Corrections (CJ-BAT).

3. PCSO Verification Letter: After completing the background check, students must hand deliver to the Corrections Academy Office a copy of a letter from PCSO verifying their status, a copy of the college placement test scores, CJ-BAT scores, and sealed official high school and college transcripts.

4. Pre-Registration: Applicants must consult with Sara Brown in Corrections Academy Office in order to:

• Complete all forms in Pre-Registration Packet.
  
• Submit copy of GED or high school transcript.
  
• Complete payment of Corrections Academy fee: $2,200.00 In-state tuition; $6,933.38 Out-of-state tuition.
  
• Financial Assistance and Veterans Benefits may be available; contact Financial Aid staff at 727-341-4623 or 727-791-2495.
  

5. Acceptance Letter: for the Corrections Academy is mailed to students about one month prior to the start date of an academy and includes further information concerning uniforms and books (approximately $275).