Criminal Justice Institute

Launch Your Career in Criminal Justice

Palm Beach State College offers a range of programs for students interested in careers in criminal justice, a field that spans law enforcement, corrections and courts. The programs are offered through PBSC’s Criminal Justice academic department and its Criminal Justice Institute.

Students may may apply to academies to become sworn state officers or they may choose to pursue certificates and associate degrees to prepare for non-sworn jobs within criminal justice. Sworn officers may also pursue academic degrees and continuing education to advance their careers. Read more below to find the right program for you.

Criminal Justice Academic Department

PBSC’s Criminal Justice academic department offers associate degree programs for students pursuing careers in criminal justice. Students following the criminal justice track of the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree typically transfer directly into bachelor’s degree programs here at PBSC or at other institutions. Students pursuing the Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees typically enter the workforce immediately in criminal justice and crime scene roles, but they may also choose to continue their education by pursuing a bachelor's degree at PBSC or another institution.

Criminal Justice Institute

The Criminal Justice Institute at Palm Beach State College delivers comprehensive education and training for individuals pursuing careers in law enforcement, corrections, public safety and related fields. Through a blend of practical skills development and academic coursework, the Institute prepares students to meet professional standards and certification requirements in Florida.

Programs

Police Academy

Crossover Programs

Public Safety Telecommunications

Telecommunications CCP

Community and Continuing Education

The Institute also offers training courses for current officers, returning officers and non-sworn civilians through PBSC’s Corporate and Continuing Education Office. The courses include:

Advanced and Specialized Courses for Officers
Exempt From Training (EFT) Course
Police Service Aide Academy

Important Dates: Spring 2027 Academies

Auxiliary Law Enforcement Academy

Mandatory information session: October 19, 2026
Paperwork deadline: November 17, 2026
Start date: January 5, 2027
Program information: Auxiliary Law Enforcement Officer CCP

Crossover from Corrections to Law Enforcement Academy

Due to the overwhelming number of applications received following our October 12 information session, applications for the January 2027 Crossover Academy are now closed.

Acceptance letters will be emailed no later than November 3, 2026.
Start date: January 5, 2027
Program information: Crossover From Corrections to Law Enforcement

Corrections and Law Enforcement Academies

Physical Agility Test (PAT) deadline for self-sponsored students: September 23, 2026
Open application period for self-sponsored students: September 21 to October 1, 2026
Paperwork deadline for agency-sponsored students: November 19, 2026
Mandatory orientation: December 14, 2026
Start date: January 11, 2027

Program information: Law Enforcement CCP and Corrections CCP

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