POST Academy (Peace Officer Standards & Training)

Director: Sam Despain
Email: samuel.despian@utahtech.edu
Support Specialist: Sarah Strickley
Email: sarah.strickley@utahtech.edu
Location: Hurricane Education Center, 112 South 700 West, Hurricane
Phone: (435) 652-7916
Website: http://post.utahtech.edu

Program Information

The Utah Tech University Regional Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy (also known as the Police Academy) offers Special Function Officer (SFO or Cat I) training and Law Enforcement Officer (LEO or Cat II) training. The SFO training is approximately 14 weeks in length, and the LEO training is approximately 16 weeks in length. SFO is a prerequisite to LEO. Our mission, through the direction of the Council of POST, is to provide professional standards and training, leadership and certification for peace officers as we work to protect the rights and privileges of Utah’s citizens.

The classes are held from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Monday through Friday at the Hurricane Education Center, located at 112 South 700 West, Hurricane, Utah. Instructors include local law enforcement officers, attorneys, and educators.

NOTE: The Utah Tech Regional POST Academy does NOT offer Emergency Vehicle Operations Training (EVO).  After graduating and employment by any department, cadets need to attend the Utah POST EVO training. It is the cadet’s responsibility to inform employers and/or potential employers of this. YOU CANNOT BE CERTIFIED UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE EVO.

Special Function Officer (SFO) Training

Special Function Officer Training (SFO) provides training for Special Function Officer/Auxiliary Officer.  Positions requiring SFO training include constables, auxiliary officers, bailiffs, reserve officers, and other special function officers, as approved by the department. SFO must be completed before LEO or Correctional training.

Law Enforcement officer (LEO) Training

Law Enforcement Officer Training (LEO) provides the remaining training necessary for certification of a Peace Officer (Police Officer).  Positions requiring both levels of training include police officers, highway patrol troopers, and deputy sheriffs. SFO training is required before taking the LEO training.

Tuition/Fee Information

  • SFO Special Functions Officer– CJ 1070 (9 credit course) Fee Justification: Tuition $2200.00, Instructional Fee $50.00 
  • LEO I Law Enforcement Officer Part 1 – CJ 1080 (6 credit course) Fee Justification: Tuition $1950.00 
  • LEO II Law Enforcement Officer Part 2– CJ 1090 (7 credit course) Fee Justification: Tuition $1950.00 

Schedule & Admissions

The Special Function Officer sessions begin in January and August, running two sessions a year. The Law Enforcement Officer classes will begin in May and January. You may receive up to 22 elective credits for this course, and we are approved for Financial Aid and VA/Military benefits for those who qualify. 

Acceptance into the Police Academy is by application only. To attend the Utah Tech POST Academy:

  • Cadets must be 21 years of age before the end of the SFO session
  • Be able to pass a background investigation
  • Have a High School Diploma or GED
  • Pass entrance/exit physical exams

Professional Licensure/Certification (PLC) Requirements

The curriculum for programs at Utah Tech University leading to professional licensure are designed to prepare students for Utah licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions requiring licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University, and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time. 

Licensure boards in each state establish requirements for licensure and certification for their respective state. States vary by which professions are required to be licensed and how licensure functions, and such requirements may change at any time. The terms related to licensure and certification, among others, also vary by state as well.

Students and prospective students are strongly encouraged to contact the state licensure entity in the state where they intend to work to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by the student’s state(s) of choice. The University cannot provide verification of a student’s ability to meet licensure or certification requirements unrelated to its educational programming. Some states require individuals to complete additional requirements that are unrelated to educational prerequisites. For more information, visit the State Authorization and Professional Licensure web page and select the program, or speak to the director of the program. 

Utah Tech University shall not be held liable if a student is unable to qualify for licensure or certification in any jurisdiction.

This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).