Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program
(information updated April 11, 2013)

The Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP) was developed in 1977 to prepare the seasonal ranger to perform law enforcement in areas administered by the National Park Service. The training program is offered at nine venues across the country. The core required program consists of 400 class hours. Some programs may require additional hours.

A successful graduate becomes eligible to receive a Type II law enforcement commission once a background investigation, drug testing and medical screening is completed. Information regarding medical standards for commissioned rangers can be found here. Prospective students should contact the school they plan on attending for the specific graduation requirements. Fitness requirements for seasonal positions will be posted here when they become applicable and available.

Once obtained, the commission enables the bearer to carry firearms, make arrests, investigate crimes and assist in the execution of warrants.

Schools offer the SLETP in a variety of ways. The diversity of offerings is reflected in the varying lengths of classes.

  • (S) - Straight Academy (40 hours or more/week)
  • (P) - Peace Officer Standard Training with NPS add-on or add-in
  • (O) - One session per academic year (1 or 2 semesters) to full-time students
  • (T) - One session over two academic years to full-time students
  • (C) - Combination of weekends and semester breaks

    Each school recognizes or offers recognition for completion of the course in one or more ways:

  • Continuing education units
  • Semester hours
  • Quarter hours
  • Certificate

    The cost of each school's program is set by the administration of that school. Prospective students should personally contact the directors of the schools being considered and inquire as to the availability of housing and meals, as well as the tuition costs and any additional fees for ammunition, targets or other items.

    We have attempted to offer the most recent information on class dates, but cancellations and changes in scheduling are not uncommon.

    IMPORTANT STUDENT INFORMATION
    SLETP Academy Trainee Standards Handbook
    Physical Efficiency Battery as a Condition of Employment for Law Enforcement Positions
    DOI-HR Decision on Physical Efficiency Battery


    Colorado Northwestern Community College
    Criminal Justice Program
    500 Kennedy Drive (Hill Hall)
    Rangely, CO 81648

    Class Dates:
    Fall 2013: Aug. 26 - Nov. 15 (S)
    Optional courses after the session: Wildland Fire, Nov. 18-22; First Responder, Dec. 2–6; and Search and Rescue, Dec. 9-13
    Spring 2014: Jan. 14 - April 4 (S)

    This is a FLETC-accredited, 12-week academy that provides the student with 450 hours (24 credit hours) of training. Upon completion of the academy, students will receive a FLETA-accredited NPS/FLETC SLETP certification. This certification will allow you to be eligible for a seasonal Type II position with the National Park Service. Colorado Northwestern is currently holding two academies per year: spring and fall. Students will be enrolled in the college and the academy but are not required to be part of a degree program. An associate of applied science park ranger degree is now also available.

    The CNCC tuition conveniently includes housing (single occupancy) and meals (19 per week). Additional certificates included with the academy curriculum include TASER, radar, patrol rifle, and NHTSA DUI/SFST/HGN with wet lab. Following each academy is an optional five-day wildland firefighting class. This course covers National Wildfire Coordinating Group curriculum (S130, S180and S190). Upon completion you are eligible to obtain a Red Card.

    CNCC has been holding NPS LE Academies since 1997. Classes are limited to 20 students, and upon completion we invite friends and family for an Academy graduation ceremony.

    For further details see www.cncc.edu/cms/content/national-park-ranger-overvie

    Interested students should contact either Academy Coordinator Jennifer L. Walgrave, (970) 675-3208; toll-free 1 (800) 562-1105, ext. 208; fax (970) 675-8665; jennifer.walgrave@cncc.edu

    Lead Instructor Chris Congemi, (970) 675-3338; toll-free 1 (800) 562-1105, ext.329; christopher.congemi@cncc.edu OR

    Academy Chief Ranger Rick Mossman, (970) 675-3337; rick.mossman@cncc.edu



    Hocking College
    National Ranger Training Institute
    3301 Hocking Parkway
    Nelsonville, OH 45764-9582

    Class Dates:
    Jan. 7, 2013, - May 17, 2013

    These dates are subject to change.

    Bill DeWeese: (740) 753-6295; fax: (740) 753-6305
    deweese_b@hocking.edu
    Connie Cassady: (740) 753-6304
    cassady_c@hocking.edu

    Follow the National Ranger Training Institute at:
    twitter.com/NRTI
    rangertraining.blogspot.com

    The Ranger Academy Program is based on a blended curriculum meshing the SLETP curriculum with the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Training Program. This has resulted in qualification with a SLETP certificate and certification to work for agencies that require or recognize peace officer basic training, including state, county and local parks, recreation, wildlife and natural resources agencies in Ohio or reciprocating states. The program is conducted in a full-time academy setting with a typical week consisting of a minimum of 43 hours. More details here.

    Northern Arizona University
    Park Ranger Training Program
    Department of Geography, Planning and Recreation
    P.O. Box 15016
    Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5016

    Class Dates:
    Spring 2013:: Jan. 15 - April 26, 2013 (S) (wait list only)
    Fall 2013: Aug. 28 - Nov. 20, 2013 (S)
    Spring 2014: Jan. 14 - April 25, 2014 (S)
    Fall 2014: Aug. 26 - Nov. 24, 2014 (S)

    Mark Maciha: (928) 523-8242; fax: (928) 523-2275
    mark.maciha@nau.edu or prtp@nau.edu
    www.prm.nau.edu/rangers



    San Antonio College Law Enforcement Training Academy
    Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program
    1300 San Pedro Ave.
    San Antonio, TX 78212

    Class Dates:
    Feb. 4 - June 13, 2013

    Courses Offered:
    Every fall and spring semesters

    Director: Frank Francis
    ffrancis1@alamo.edu

    Secretary: Michelle Contreras
    mcontreras84@alamo.edu

    The SAC-SLETP provides current, relevant and effective training to ensure future NPS employees are capable and proficient in all required law enforcement skills upon entry of duty. This is a rigorous, 13-week program consisting of more than 505 hours. The course work includes such topics as federal criminal law and court procedures, pistol and shotgun qualifications, emergency response driving, patrol skills and defensive tactics. The instructors at San Antonio College hold themselves and their students to established high standards of conduct and performance. This Federal Law Enforcement Training-accredited program's objective is to train highly competent, professional, physically and mentally fit students ready to protect people, resource and property in the National Park Service.

    Application and additional information is available at www.alamo.edu/sac/continuing-ed/seasonal-law-enforcement




    Santa Rosa Junior College
    Public Safety Training Center
    5743 Skylane Blvd.
    Windsor, CA 95492

    Class Dates:
    Jan. 22 - April 12, 2013 (S) (class full)
    Sept. 10 - Dec. 6, 2013 (S) (seats still available)

    Brian Marvin: (707) 836-2914; fax: (707) 836-2948
    rsmith@santarosa.edu
    website: www.santarosa.edu/PublicSafety/ranger-academy.php

    SRJC’s Ranger Academy was the first of its kind. Since 1978 when NPS first set seasonal ranger law enforcement training standards, SRJC has hosted 123 classes with more than 3,000 graduates. In the last 10 years SRJC built completely new public safety classroom and field facilities in Windsor, California, including an indoor firing range, driver training track, and a full-scale scenario village and campground affording students varied and realistic settings for hands-on learning. The 12-week program is accredited and trains to NPS Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program standards, often with working rangers as instructors. Students are evaluated with supportive feedback in constitutional and criminal law, behavioral science, park patrol and enforcement, driving, firearms and officer safety. SRJC welcomes your further interest.



    Skagit Valley College
    Department of Criminal Justice
    2405 E. College Way
    Mount Vernon, WA 98273-5899

    Class Dates:
    Jan. 2, 2013 - April 15, 2013 (S) (720 hours)

    This program mandates full attendance for the 720 hours held at the Mount Vernon Campus and is not available online. The Parks Law Enforcement Academy is based on a blended curriculum meshing the SLETP curriculum with the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Reserve Officer's Program. This has resulted in qualification with a SLETP certificate and certification to work for certain agencies that require or recognize peace officer training with a natural/cultural/historic resources protection emphasis, including Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, county and local parks, and natural resources agencies in Washington or reciprocating states. The program is conducted in a full-time academy setting with a typical week consisting of a minimum of 40+ hours.

    You may obtain further information and application materials online here. If you are unable to obtain materials in this fashion, you may request that an information/application packet to be mailed to your U.S. postal address.

    Bill Overby: (360) 416-7829; fax: (360) 416-6669
    bill.overby@skagit.edu



    Slippery Rock University
    Leadership Development Center
    One Morrow Way
    Slippery Rock, PA 16057

    Class Dates:
    January 2013 - April 2013 (S)

    The SRU SLETP will offer a straight academy format beginning in the fall of 2011. The program consists of over 480 hours and includes a law enforcement leadership component. The program runs for 12 weeks at 40 hours per week. The program is certificate based and offered as non-credit. Students from all majors are invited to apply. The program is open to both SRU students and interested participants who meet the SLETP and federal qualifications. The SRU program has been training park rangers for more than 30 years and is recognized by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

    Starting in 2011, the program will include a Pennsylvania component that will allow program graduates to meet the PA DCNR state requirements for conservation law enforcement officers who are interested in careers with the Bureau of Forestry and the Bureau of State Parks.

    Interested students should contact Dr. John Lisco, SRU SLETP Director: (724) 738-2596;
    john.lisco@sru.edu or Erin Strain, Leadership Development, (724) 738-4334, erin.strain@sru.edu
    For program details and specific application information, see www.sru.edu/sletp

    Southwestern Community College
    Jerry Sutton Public Safety Training Center
    225 Industrial Park Loop
    Franklin, NC 28734

    Class Dates:
    Spring 2013 - Class 90, Jan. 22 - May 2013 (S)
    Fall 2013 - Class 91, Aug. 20 - December 2013 (S)

    NOTE: Academies beginning August 2012 will be limited to 20 recruits

    Mitch Boudrot: (828) 306-7043; fax: (828) 369-2428
    m_boudrot@southwesterncc.edu
    More details: http://www.southwesterncc.edu/content/national-park-service

    Temple University
    Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program
    Department of Criminal Justice
    523 Gladfelter Hall, 1115 W. Berks St.
    Philadelphia, PA 19122

    Class Dates:
    Summer 2013: May 20 – Aug. 19, 2013 (S)
    Fall 2013: Aug. 26 – Dec. 4, 2013 (S)

    The Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program at Temple University is a rigorous 13-week program consisting of more than 505 hours of instruction designed to prepare and enable students to obtain employment with the National Park Service as a Seasonal Type II law enforcement ranger. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be awarded academic credit and a certificate of completion. A public celebration that recognizes the significance of their achievement will include a formal graduation ceremony.

    Anthony J. Luongo: office, (215) 204-7930; fax, (215) 204-2776
    aluongo@temple.edu
    www.temple.edu/cjtp


    Unity College
    Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program
    90 Quaker Hill Road
    Unity, Maine 04988

    Class Dates:
    Aug. 26 - Nov. 9, 2012 (S)

    Information: www.unity.edu
    Director Tim Peabody: 207-948-3131, ext. 331; Coordinator Tom Nash: 757-634-4197 http://www.unity.edu/academics/distinctive_programs/sletp

    The Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP) was first developed in 1977 to prepare seasonal park rangers to perform law enforcement in areas administered by the National Park Service. This intensive 400+ hour training program includes such topics as federal criminal law and court procedures, pistol and shotgun qualifications, emergency response driving, patrol skills, and defensive tactics. This course of study is mandatory for all those seeking seasonal employment to work in National Parks as a law enforcement ranger.

    University of Massachusetts Amherst
    Conservation Law Enforcement
    National Park Service Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program
    Continuing & Professional Education
    100 Venture Way, Suite 201
    Hadley, MA 01035-9430

    Open house planned for Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, for all interested students. Download flyer for full details.

    Program attendance: All in person alternating weekends, including three full weeks. All dates and times below:

    Weekends:
    Sept. 8-9, 22-23, 2012
    Oct. 6-7, 20-21
    Nov. 3-4, 17-18
    Dec. 1-2, 15-16
    Feb. 2-3, 16-17, 2013
    March 2-3, 9-10
    April 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28

    Full weeks:
    Jan. 7-11 and 14-18
    March 18-22

    Graduation: April 28, 2013

    Time: Varies depending on the lesson plan - typically Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., with occasional evening sessions and additional work required outside of classroom time.

    To plan ahead, here are the dates for the program beginning in Fall 2013: Sept. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22; Oct. 5, 6, 19 amd 20; Nov. 2, 3, 16 and 17; Dec. 1, 14 and 15; Jan. 6 through Jan. 10, 2014 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Jan. 11 (8 a.m. to noon); Jan. 13 through Jan. 17 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Feb. 1, 2, 15 and 16; March 1, 2, 8, 9 and 17-21; April 5, 6, 12, 13 and 26; April 27, graduation.

    The nationally respected training program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the National Park Service. Our 400-hour program is taught in person only in Hadley, Mass. All instructors have many years of experience in natural resource law enforcement. More than 575 students have graduated from this program, and many have found employment with NPS law enforcement; others have been hired as conservation officers at state parks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and with state fish and game departments.

    For more information contact cletp@contined.umass.edu
    This program is not available online.
    For program details see www.umassulearn.net/programs/certificate/conservation-law




    Vermilion Community College
    NPS Seasonal Ranger Training
    1900 East Camp St.
    Ely, Minnesota 55731-1996
    No information provided. Search the website for more details: www.vcc.edu

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