Seminole State to offer Equivalency of Training program for out-of-state officers

Continuing its effort to meet Central Florida’s needs for more law enforcement officers, the Criminal Justice Training Center at Seminole State College of Florida will offer an Equivalency of Training (EOT) program this fall. The short-term course, which begins Aug. 15, will allow out-of-state officers to be certified as officers in Florida so they can continue their career with one of the state’s law enforcement officer agencies.

The six-day training will cover the following areas of proficiency: firearms, defensive tactics, first aid for criminal justice officers and vehicle operations. It will also include study assistance for the State Officer Certification Exam. 

“We’re offering this training to support our local law enforcement agencies’ and the state’s need for more officers,” said Dr. Molly Kostenbauder, associate vice president of the School of Business, Health and Public Safety at Seminole State. “We can offer this abbreviated program because it’s a continuation of training for officers who are already certified and have served in other states. It will reinforce and ensure their competency and skills in law enforcement and prepare them to serve in Florida.”

The EOT course costs $1,122, which includes books and access to the four high-liability law enforcement assessments. As an incentive, Be a Florida Hero, an initiative through the Office of the Florida Attorney General, will provide up to $1,000 toward EOT costs and up to a $5,000 bonus for new officers in Florida. 

Participants in the EOT program at Seminole State are encouraged to connect with a Seminole County law enforcement agency to review open positions. Students must contact a law enforcement agency to complete the Equivalency of Training CJSTC Form 76, which is required for acceptance into the College’s EOT program. EOT recruits are vetted by the agency that completes the form and will undergo a full background check with the agency prior to hire. 

In addition to out-of-state officers, the EOT program is available for federal officers and previously certified Florida officers with a four-year or longer break in service or those who served in special forces. The program allows these groups of individuals to utilize their former training to be exempt from completing the full basic recruit academy. 

For more information about the EOT program at Seminole State, contact the Criminal Justice Training Center at justice@seminolestate.edu or visit seminolestate.edu/criminal-justice/eot.