Law Enforcement Pre-Service
Law Enforcement Pre-Service - May 2008 ITV Information Packet On-Campus Information Packet Sign-Up for more information

click to view our brochureThe University of Maine at Fort Kent has partnered with the Maine Criminal Justice Academy to offer the Law Enforcement Pre-Service (LEPS) program, also called the "100 hour course". UMFK has developed Crj 365 Law Enforcement Pre-Service, a 3 credit course that meets all of the requirements of the Academy's LEPS course. This program is required by the state of Maine as the minimum level of training for any part-time law enforcement officer. It is intended to provide training and instruction to properly prepare persons for tasks that are performed by local law enforcement personnel. Law enforcement pre-service graduates 08Students who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate from the Academy. Instruction is provided by UMFK faculty, practicing law enforcement officers and instructors from the Academy. This UMFK course (Crj 365) is offered in two formats. A training session lasting thirteen days, consisting of all day classes, is offered every summer at the UMFK campus. In an exclusive agreement with the Academy, an Interactive Television (ITV) format, is offered every fall semester, and is available throughout the state of Maine.

Law enforcement pre-service graduates 07Negotiations are also underway with the Academy, which would allow students to attend the eighteen-week Basic Law Enforcement Training program in Vassalboro, in place of a fall semester on campus. Students will receive a full semester's credit (15) for attendance and successful completion of the training. The Basic program is required for all full-time law enforcement officers.

Who should participate?

  • Those interested in entry level positions in municipal or county law enforcement departments.
  • Those interested in part-time and seasonal police officer employment.
  • Students currently enrolled in Criminal Justice or Public Safety programs.

Format
This program will be offered in two different formats by UMFK.

  • A 2-week full time residential program at UMFK, which meets M-F from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM each weekday. Housing and meals provided at an additional cost for traveling students. This will duplicate the existing program as it is offered at the Academy facility. The content will be delivered primarily by on-site instructors, including faculty, adjuncts, and other approved professionals. Some components may be delivered via distance modalities (ITV, VC, online, etc.)
  • A 15-week off-site program delivered via distance education technology, primarily ITV. Classes will meet two night per week from 7:00-9:45 PM. Content will be delivered by a variety of instructors around the state. These may include university faculty, academy instructors, and other approved professionals. This format will allow individuals to take part from multiple locations around the state and on a less rigid time schedule. For a current list of ITV sites, click here.

Content
Students completing the program will have basic competence in the following areas:

  • Police ethics & authority
  • Maine laws
  • Judicial procedures
  • Law enforcement techniques
  • Safety issues related to law enforcement

Click here for full curriculum.

Application Process
Participants will need to submit all required paperwork directly to the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Once you are approved, you will be officially registered for CRJ 265 at UMFK. For Academy application forms, click here.

Requirements
Persons taking this course must also meet the Academy's entrance standards.

  • Shall be at least 21 years of age, unless the applicant has some college credits.
  • Shall submit a medical certificate, signed by a licensed physician indicating that the applicant is physically and medically able to attend the training.
  • Should have no convictions for Murder, Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D crime.
  • Shall go through a background investigation.
  • Shall have hiring or sponsoring agency
  • Shall complete a criminal records check through the submission of fingerprints .
  • Shall possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
  • Shall have passed the Alert Test.

Click here for full entrance requirements.

An Alert Test is regularly offered at the Fort Kent campus, usually early spring and again in the fall. The cost is $40 and the test is administered by Academy staff.

Tuition/Costs
This is a 3 credit course and students will be charged accordingly. For current tuition rates, click here.

Housing and meals for the residential program, will be an additional charge. There are no library or parking fees at UMFK. There may be additional fees associated with the distance education format.

Links

Contact
Donald Eno at 207-834-7835 or deno@maine.edu.