The following minimum requirements for entry into the Basic Recruit Training Academies for Law Enforcement and Corrections at Palm Beach Community College have been established through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and the Region XII Training Council. These requirements apply to all individuals who are seeking to sponsor themselves in the academy.

Be at least 19 years of age.

Be a citizen of the United States.

Be a high school graduate or its "equivalent" as the commission has defined the term by rule. Certified transcripts required.

NOTE: High school and ALL college transcripts (if applicable) MUST be received/accepted by PBCC in order to be admitted into the college. Please contact your high school (and college(s), if applicable) as soon as you start the selection process and have transcripts sent to Criminal Justice, MS #36, Palm Beach Community College, 4200 Congress Ave., Lake Worth, FL 33461-4796. Transcript request forms and additional information can be found at www.pbcc.edu. To see if PBCC has received your transcript(s), go to PantherWeb.

Not have been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement.

Not have received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement is not eligible for entry into the academy, not withstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication.

Any person who has pled nolo contendere to a misdemeanor involving a false statement, prior to December 1, 1985, and has had such record sealed or expunged shall not be deemed ineligible for acceptance into the academy.

Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Candidates with valid out of state licenses must obtain a Florida driver's license before the start of the academy.

Must possess an acceptable driving record, (Law Enforcement only) defined as:

1. Less than three moving traffic violations within the last two years

2. Free from driver's license suspensions for the past three (3) years.

3. Free from any convictions for criminal traffic offenses (DUI, Reckless driving) within the past five (5) years.

Drug use history:

1. Have not used or possessed marijuana in the one (1) year prior to applying to the academy.

2. Have not used or possessed any other illegal drugs in the three (3) years prior to applying to the academy.

3. Have not misused prescription drugs in the three (3) years prior to applying to the academy.

4. Have not sold, transported, delivered or trafficked in any illegal drugs and/or fraudulently obtained any prescription drugs.

Tattoos - tattoos include any tattoo, scar, branding, mark or other permanent body art or modification deliberately placed on the body for purposes of decoration, ornamentation or adornment. Any of the following will be cause for denial for entry into the academy:

1. Tattoo(s) on the fingers, hands, neck (visible when wearing a collared shirt), face or head.

2. Tattoo(s) commonly associated with gangs, organizations or groups which advocate hate, intolerance or discrimination.

3. Tattoo(s) which depict, describe or otherwise refer to sexual conduct, acts, organs or preferences.

4. Tattoo(s) which depict, describe, or refer to intolerance of, or discrimination against any race, religion, gender or national origin.

Complete the Basic Abilities Test (B.A.T.) with a score of 79 or better for Law Enforcement or 72 or better for Corrections.

Complete and pass the Physical Abilities Test.

Successfully complete a polygraph examination.

Successfully complete a psychological examination.

Be in good physical shape as determined by a licensed physician.

Be drug free as determined by a 7-panel drug test.