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Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program
(information updated April 20, 2009)

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 334 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 dated, but cancellations and changes in scheduling are not uncommon.


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

    Class Dates:
    Jan. 12, 2009 - March 21, 2009 — NPS SLETP Academy (S)
    June 8, 2009, to Aug. 15, 2009 — NPS SLETP Academy (S)

    Interested students should contact either Jaymie Schuck, Academy Superintendent, (970) 675-3331; toll-free 1 (800) 562-1105, ext. 331; fax (970) 675-8665; Jaymie.Schuck@cncc.edu

    Academy Chief Ranger Deryl B. Stone, (314) 607-8174; derylstone@charter.net or

    Joseph Sears, Administrative Assistant, (970) 675-3208; toll-free 1 (800) 562-1105, ext. 208; fax: (970) 675-8665; joseph.sears@cncc.edu



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

    Class Dates: Jan. 13 - May 15, 2009 (P) and Aug. 11 - Dec. 11, 2009 (subject to change) (P) — Application deadline is July 17, 2009
    Bill DeWeese: (740) 753-6295; fax: (740) 753-6305
    deweese_b@hocking.edu
    Connie Cassady: (740) 753-6304
    cassady_c@hocking.edu

    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, Arizona 86011-5016

    Class Dates: Jan. 12 - April 17, 2009 (S)
    Sept. 14 - Nov. 20, 2009 (S)
    Jan. 11, 2010 - April 16, 2010 (S)
    Kathy Eissinger: (928) 523-8242; fax: (928) 523-2275; temporary number during summers (406) 888-5212
    kathy.eissinger@nau.edu
    www.prm.nau.edu/rangers

    Santa Rosa Junior College
    Santa Rosa Training Center
    5743 Skylane Blvd.
    Windsor, California 95492

    Class Dates: Oct. 6 - Dec. 10, 2008 (S)
    Jan. 13, 2009 - March 17, 2009 (S)
    Oct. 6 - Dec. 15, 2009 (S)
    Jan. 12 - March 18, 2010 (S)
    Scott Verse: (707) 836-2914; fax: (707) 836-2948
    sdado@santarosa.edu
    www.santarosa.edu/ps

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

    Class Dates: Jan. 4 - April 16, 2010 (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.

    Please request 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
    Seasonal Ranger Training
    Department of Parks and Recreation/Environmental Education
    Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057-1326

    Class Dates: dates unavailable (O)
    Dr. Jack Lisco: (724) 738-2596; fax:(724) 738-2938
    john.lisco@sru.edu

    Southwestern Community College
    Public Safety Training Complex
    225 Industrial Park Loop
    Franklin, North Carolina 28734

    Class Dates: Aug. 19, 2009 - Nov. 2009 (THIS SESSION FULL) (S)
    Next session beginning Jan. 6, 2010 (S) 
    Melissa Hill: (828) 369-0591; 800-447-4091(ask for PSTC); fax: (828) 369-2428
    m_hill@southwesterncc.edu
    More details: http://www.southwesterncc.edu/pubsafety/nps/index.htm

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

    Class Dates: Weekends in 2009: Aug. 29, 30; Sept. 12, 13, 26, 27; Oct. 3, 4, 10, 11, 24, 25; Nov. 7, 8, 21, 22; Dec. 5, 6, 19, 20; Dates in 2010: Jan. 30, 31; Feb. 6, 7, 20, 21; March 6, 7; Two full weeks: 1/4/2010 - 1/9, 1/11 - 15, Last full week: 3/15 - 3/19. Graduation 3/20. Hours are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

    This program mandates full attendance for the 400 hours held at UMass University Amherst, Massachusetts, and is not available online.

    Interested students should contact Continuing & Professional Education Academic Programs Department, 413-545-2484, academicprograms@contined.umass.edu or Program Director Dave Swendsen at 978-263-5219 or daveswendsen@comcast.net


    Vermilion Community College
    NPS Seasonal Ranger Training
    1900 E. Camp St.
    Ely, Minnesota 55731-1996

    dates unavailable, contact:
    Steve A. Lorenz: (218) 365-7265 (office); toll-free (800) 657-3608; (218) 969-1197 (cell); (218) 262-7258 (office-Hibbing)
    stevelorenz@hibbing.edu