CFCC celebrates inaugural graduating class of new BLET pilot program

Wilmington, NC – Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is proud to announce the graduation of the first cohort from its Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) pilot program. This inaugural class of sixteen graduates has achieved remarkable success, with all members receiving employment from various law enforcement agencies. These agencies include the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Police Department, Surf City Police Department, Oak Island Police Department, Carolina Beach Police Department, Leland Police Department, Shallotte Police Department, and several other local agencies.

The new pilot program, developed in collaboration with the North Carolina Justice Academy and based on feedback from a statewide task analysis, extended the traditional BLET curriculum by two hundred hours. The pilot program now totals eight hundred and seventy-eight hours, compared to the previous six hundred and forty hours. This extension emphasizes practical exercises and de-escalation activities, reflecting the evolving needs of law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. CFCC is one of only fifteen schools in the state chosen to pilot this enhanced BLET program.

The BLET program is designed to equip prospective law enforcement officers with the essential skills for entry-level positions in state, county, municipal, and private law enforcement agencies. The curriculum covers various subjects, including criminal investigation, juvenile laws, civil process, driver training, ABC laws, motor vehicle laws, patrol techniques, court procedures, emergency responses, and ethics and community relations.

“CFCC is proud to have been selected to pilot this new Basic Law Enforcement Training program,” said Jim Morton, CFCC President. “This expanded curriculum addresses the evolving needs of law enforcement agencies and better prepares the next generation of law enforcement professionals. We thank all the graduates for their dedication to serving and protecting our community.”

To learn more about Cape Fear Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program, visit cfcc.edu/basic-law-enforcement/ .