An Overview of the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate
The NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate is a designation issued by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Council, through the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission. It is part of a three-tiered system designed to standardize law enforcement training across the state of North Carolina. This program aims to encourage continuous training and development among law enforcement officers in the state.
The certificate is awarded upon completion of a specified set of training requirements that include a combination of basic law enforcement training, advanced and specialized trainings, and a certain number of years of service in law enforcement work. The program requires that the officers complete a minimum of 400 hours of advanced and specialized in-service training and more than 10 years in service in law enforcement , unless waived by the Commission for an individual who has served 15 years without a 120-hour in-service training requirement.
The NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate is separate, distinct and non-cumulative with the Advanced Law Enforcement Certification Program, and the two do not appear on an individual’s personnel records or lists maintained by the Commission. It is not intended for use to establish a pattern of service for any purpose, nor does it provide supplemental pay in addition to the compensation already being received. It is not a substitute for certification requirements necessary for promotion or rank and does not supersede any training and service requirements mandated by an individual’s employing agency.
What does it take to earn the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate
Eligibility Requirements for Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate Candidates
In order to be eligible for the NC ALEC, the applicant must hold a General Law Enforcement Certificate (DLEC) that has been issued by the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission or other state or federal Law Enforcement Certification equivalent. The applicant must also be in good moral and character standing with no pending felony or serious misdemeanor charges in the last ten years or conviction of felonies or serious misdemeanors for which jail or prison time could have been imposed. There must be no record of suspension or revocation of law enforcement certification in NC or other state or federal jurisdiction. The applicant must also have served as a full-time law enforcement officer for at least five years immediately prior to application and have served as a full-time law officer for minimum of average 20 hours per week for at least five years immediately prior to application if employed part-time or as a volunteer law enforcement officer. The applicant must have completed a minimum of 40 hours of career development training. The applicant must also have completed additional areas of training which could include any combination of the following items: 150 hours of specialized training; 200 hours of instructor development training; 200 hours of continuing education; or 300 hours of in-service training.
How Candidates can Apply for the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate
To begin the process of applying for the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate, it is imperative that officers start by assessing their eligibility based on the established requirements. This initial step is essential, as not all individuals may qualify for this certification. Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants should gather all required documentation to support their application. This includes detailed proof of employment within a recognized law enforcement agency, evidence of graduation from the NC Basic Law Enforcement Training Course, and documentation of any relevant experience or training pertinent to the field of law enforcement. If the applicant has any specialized certifications or advanced degrees, they should also be included in the application materials.
The application is available via the NC Department of Justice website, and applicants can expect to fill out all requested personal information, professional background details, and documentation of their qualifications in the online application portal. When completing the application form, it is crucial that all information is accurate and truthful, as providing false information could be grounds for application denial.
Fees associated with the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate are variable and depend on the specific requirements of the certification. Applicants should be prepared to pay any applicable fees when submitting their application to ensure its acceptance. Typically, this fee is minimal and is designed to cover the administrative costs associated with processing the application.
After submitting the application, applicants will receive notification at the email address provided on their application. It is essential that applicants monitor their email and spam folders closely, as any messages from NC Department of Justice could inadvertently end up in the spam folder. Applicants are encouraged to check regularly to avoid any missed communications.
It may take up to 60 days for applications to be processed, and any delays in application processing are not in the control of the applicant. Admittedly, 60 days may seem like an extended wait time; however, processing an application for certification requires careful consideration of the applicant’s qualifications. Applicants are encouraged to stay positive and refrain from being overly concerned about the time it will take to process the application and award the certification.
Once the application is approved, applicants will be required to maintain the certification by satisfying the ongoing education requirements as specified in the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certification program. This process is straightforward and is designed to be helpful to law enforcement professionals, while at the same time ensuring that the overall quality of law enforcement in North Carolina is maintained.
Advantages to Obtaining the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate
For law enforcement professionals, the pursuit of ongoing education and professional development is a key to advancement in the field. Achieving the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate is an excellent way to gain in-depth knowledge of the law enforcement function and to position yourself as a leader in your department and within your community.
A primary benefit of earning the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate is the ability to learn about the latest trends in law enforcement management, evidence-based practices, ethics, constitutional law, police administration, crime analysis and prevention, and community-oriented policing. Given the ever-changing nature and demands of the policing function, both nationally and locally, the acquisition of this knowledge will enable superior job performance and advancement in any department .
There are also practical benefits to obtaining the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate. If you work in the state of North Carolina, you are eligible for a salary increment. In addition, earning your certificate can also enhance your resume if you plan to explore career advancement opportunities in other jurisdictions.
Finally, having the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate can benefit the community and citizens you serve. Community members appreciate and respect the fact that officers are committed to their work and have gone above-and-beyond to fulfill their responsibilities. As a result of this recognition, officers may find their relationships with community members are strengthened and that they are viewed as assets to the community.
Common Questions About the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate
When is my NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate due for renewal?
Your certificate must be renewed every three years. Certificates issued prior to 2014 are valid until June 30, 2018 and must be renewed by August 31, 2018.
How long is my NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate valid?
Nazario’s certificate is valid through June 30, 2018, assuming he completes his renewal requirements.
Does my NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate expire if I leave the law enforcement profession?
Nazario will need to notify the Commission as soon as possible if he leaves the law enforcement profession for any reason. His Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate will expire unless he completed the renewal process prior to leaving the profession.
Do I need to complete training on the Curriculum for Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors to renew my NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate?
No, the law enforcement firearms instruction course is no longer a mandatory component of the Curriculum for Law Enforcement Instructors used to pursue the Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from 2014-2017. However, instructors who use the Curriculum Vacancy Option can still pursue firearms instructor credentials through the State Training Standards and Certification Commission.
Do I need to participate in any training during my NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate validity period?
Yes, advanced law enforcement instructors must complete 12 hours of specialized training for each certificate validity period.
Do I need to pay renewal or late fees?
Any late renewal fee is $75. If Nazario fails to renew his certification by 2018, an additional reinstatement fee of $135 will be required.
Does my NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate ever need to be reissued?
Yes, if you change agencies or division locations, complete and submit the NC Certification Application for Specialized Instructor Training form to your certification authority.
Where can I find information regarding my NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate?
Please visit the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training & Standards (NC CJT&S) website for all information regarding your credentials.
Insights from Members holding the NC Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate
I appreciate the Leadership Program of the NC Department of Justice, which emphasizes the importance of executive-level development. This program has improved my leadership and managerial skills, and I have picked up a lot of great ideas from other law enforcement managers who participated in the program. I encourage all our captains and above to take the Leadership Program, and I think many lower-level supervisors around the state would benefit from the course as well. The research paper for the Leadership Program was one of the first times I’ve ever been pushed to write in a real scholarly tone, which was a good experience. Overall, it was a worthwhile use of my vacation time and was a great investment in my professional development.
– Captain Dan Fuller, Holly Springs Police Department, 2nd Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate holder
The Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate is an opportunity to challenge yourself, to improve yourself, and to reach a new level of fitness to serve as a law enforcement officer. It has changed the way I view myself and my job. I am more familiar with the discipline it takes to be at the top of your skill set. It would be impossible to have made the improvements without pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and that has translated to my leadership level in our organization, too. It has taught me that even if I may not be physically stronger or smarter than my peers, I can still work harder and be a better officer .
– Sgt. Matthew Knee, Wilmington Police Department, 1st and 2nd Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate holder
The Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate is an excellent opportunity to assess and reflect on our accomplishments in the law enforcement profession. For example, one would think that a 20+ year veteran of law enforcement would not be too phased by the challenges that the CPR offers to the participants. In actuality, however, the CPR is a very humbling experience. You must practice for a couple of weeks prior to taking the exam to be any good at it. You must also practice not just the day you take the exam, but the weeks and months after taking the exam. One lesson that I have taken away from the CPR, and from the Certificate overall, is that we must never be complacent in our duties as law enforcement officers. Every traffic stop or interaction with the public could be the last. We must also always practice our weapons, perishable skills, and whatever other duties are required of us as law enforcement officers. Over the years, we have seen numerous law enforcement officers be assaulted or killed. I will, therefore, always take the time to practice my perishable skills and train as not only as if my life depends on it, but so do the lives of my co-workers and citizens.
– Lt. Jason Boma, Wilson Police Department, 1st and 2nd Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate holder
