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Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program
(information updated June 3, 2008)

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. In addition, there is a good chance that physical fitness standards will be implemented for seasonal rangers in October 2006. 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:
    June 2, 2008, to Aug. 2, 2008 — NPS SLETP Academy (S)
    Aug. 25, 2008 - Dec. 17, 2008 — Colorado POST Academy
    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 Coordinator, (970) 675-3331; toll-free 1 (800) 562-1105, ext. 331; fax (970) 675-8665
    Jaymie.Schuck @cncc.edu
    or
    Roderic Conner, Academy Superintendent, (970) 675-3208; toll-free 1 (800) 562-1105, ext. 208; fax: (970) 675-8665
    roderic.conner@cncc.edu


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

    Class Dates: Aug. 14 - Dec. 12, 2008 (P) and Jan. 13 - May 15, 2009 (P)
    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: Sept. 8 - Nov. 14, 2008 (S)
    Jan. 12 - April 17, 2009(S)
    Kathy Eissenger: (928) 523-8242; fax: (928) 523-1080; temporary number during summers (406) 888-5212
    kathy.eissenger@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)
    Scott Verse: (707) 836-2914; fax: (707) 836-2948
    sdado@santarosa.edu
    www.santarosa.edu/ps

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

    Class Dates: Jan. 2, - April 11, 2008 (S) (720 hours)
    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: Aug. 27, 2007 - May 14, 2008 (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. 13, 2008 - Nov. 2008 (S)
    Jan. 7, 2009 - April 2009 (S) and Aug. 19, 2009 - Nov. 2009 (S) 
    Melissa Hill: (828) 369-0591; 800-447-4091(ask for PSTC); fax: (828) 369-2428
    m_hill@southwesterncc.edu
    www.southwesterncc.edu/pubsafety/nps

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

    Class Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 6, 7, 20, 21; Oct. 4, 5, 18, 19; Nov. 1, 2, 15, 16, 29; Dec. 6 7, 20, 21, 2008; Feb. 7, 8; March 7, 8, 2009; plus Monday through Friday: Jan. 5-9, 12-16, 19-23; and March 16-21, 2009; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (C)

    Interested students please see www.umassulearn.net/Fall-2008/Noncredit or contact the Program Director, Dave Swendsen, at 978-263-5219 or daveswendsen@comcast.net or Academic Programs, (413) 545-2484, cletp@contined.umass.edu

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

    Fall 2006: Seasonal Park Ranger Law Enforcement Skills Training
    Steve A. Lorenz: (218) 365-7265 (office); toll-free (800) 657-3608; (218) 969-1197 (cell); (218) 262-7258 (office-Hibbing)
    stevelorenz@hibbing.edu