Is financial aid available?

Yes, however the financial aide office should be contacted at least 16 weeks prior to the LETA class start date. Please contact the Financial Aid office for further information.

Ph: (480) 988-8135

What does the academy training include?

The CGCC Law Enforcement Training Academy is a fully certified police academy and the training covers all requirements of AZ POST. The academy is instructed by police officers and persons certified to instruct in an AZ POST certified academy. Topics include criminal law and legal matters, ethics and professionalism, crime scene management, patrol procedures, defensive and pursuit driving, defensive tactics, high risk vehicle stops, traffic control, baton certification, community and police relations, report writing, first aid, physical fitness and firearms are all included.

If I have training and classes from another state or previous experience that cover the information taught in the academy, do I still have to attend those academy classes?

Yes. AZ POST requires the academy to certify that all cadets have performed to the established Arizona standards in all certification standards. Previous training or certificates can not satisfy that requirement.

How many hours of training can I miss?

Per AZ POST rules, a cadet can not miss more than 16 hours of training the first semester and a total of 32 hours over both semesters. In any case, all performance objectives required by AZ POST must be satisfied. This may require extra make-up work (a research paper or other assignments) covering the missed material. Final authority to allow make-up and credit for missed classes rests with the LETA Director and AZ POST.

Will I have to run, do push-ups and participate in other physical activity?

Yes. The cadets regularly have physical fitness classes and are expected to be able to run at least 2 miles by the end of the first month of the Academy. AZ POST requires each cadet to qualify on the Police Officers Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) prior to certification. This includes 5 timed events: 6' block wall climb, 6' fence climb, 99 yard obstacle course, body drag and 500 yard sprint. There is no required physical fitness testing prior to enrollment in the program, however, a medical exam is required.

How long is the Academy?

The Academy consists of over 640 hours of training (The AZ POST minimum is 585 hours). It is conducted over 2 semesters. Those enrolling in August will graduate the following May upon successful completion and certification.

Must I supply my own equipment? Does the Academy have equipment to loan?

You or your agency must supply personal use equipment such as firearm, handcuffs, equipment belt, uniforms, pistol ammunition.

When do classes start? Where should I be and what do I need to bring?

Classes usually start once 15 or more applicants have successfully completed screening and are ready to enter an academy class. Once you are accepted into the LETA program you will be notified of where and when to report for the first class. Classes are held at the CGCC Williams campus in Mesa.

What days of the week does the Academy meet?

The classes meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and all day Saturday, 6:30 am to 5:00 pm. Some Sunday sessions may be required due to scheduling of the shooting range and driving track. Classes meet at the CGCC Williams campus in Mesa.

How do I register for classes?

If you are sponsored by an Arizona law enforcement agency, you must contact Lee Kutzke at 480-732-7058, leon.kutzke@cgcmail.maricopa.edu to reserve your place. You will need the original AZ POST 'AA' form properly completed and signed by the agency representative and yourself at the first class session.

If you are enrolling through the open enrollment process at CGCC, you will need to complete the Open Enrollment Process prior to attending. This process must be completed prior to the first day of classes and takes approximately 6-8 weeks. You must obtain an application packet by contacting Lee Kutzke at 480-732-7058, leon.kutzke@cgcmail.maricopa.edu, and return your application and documents as directed.

How much does it cost?

The Academy is 15 credit hours per semester. In 2008-2009 the cost of tuition is $71 per credit hour in district, or $1065 per semester ($280.00 per credit hour non-resident).   There is also a $150 fee the first semester and $100 fee the second semester. Some agencies reimburse the cadets for successful completion of the program. If financial aid is needed, please have cadets contact the Financial Aid office at the college at least 16 weeks prior to starting the program.

I want to attend and am not associated with a law enforcement agency. What do I need to know?

You should read the Open Enrollment page and the Frequently Asked Questions.

<> Is this program similar to the police academy training required for full-time police officers in Arizona?
This course is the same AZ POST training given to full-time peace officers in Arizona and is certified by AZ POST as meeting all AZ POST standards. All instructors in this program are AZ Post certified instructors. The curriculum and the instructors are the same as the full-time academy. The only difference is that this program extends the training over a 10 month (two semester) period to facilitate attendance by individuals who may be employed full-time in non-police positions.