The Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy, formally named Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP), is a seasonal ranger training program held bi-annually at seven different colleges throughout the United States. It consists of 720 hours of certified training. Subjects covered include constitutional law, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, criminal investigation, and more.Skagit Valley College, "Parks Law Enforcement Academy", accessed 21 July 2010.
History Formally named Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP) the program was developed in 1977 to ensure that temporary park rangers have the appropriate skills and judgment to carry out law enforcement duties.Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program; Association of National Park Rangers, October 2009
Employment opportunities Successful graduation of the training program enables cadets to seek work as seasonal law enforcement rangers for several different state agencies and the National Park Service as a type II (limited commission) U.S. Park Ranger. Graduates must be hired by an agency and pass a background investigation, medical exam and drug screening before becoming Rangers or officers. Most cadets choose to work for the National Park Service. The National Park Service is the only federal agency who recognizes this training and who has seasonal law enforcement rangers. All permanent federal land management law enforcement officers attend training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia.
Acceptance Training is rigorous and as such, acceptance into the academy is highly selective. Potential cadets must submit a written application, provide three or more letters of recommendation, undergo a criminal history background check, and successfully pass a physical agility test. Most cadets are "pre-service", meaning they must pay for the cost of academy out-of-pocket.
There are currently six operational and certified park ranger law enforcement academies in the United States. The academies are accredited by the Federal Law Enforcement Accreditation Board.Association for National Park Rangers, "", accessed 21 July 2010. CollegeLocationContact websiteColorado Northwestern Community CollegeRangely, ColoradoNorthern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff, ArizonaSkagit Valley CollegeMount Vernon, WashingtonSouthwestern Community CollegeFranklin, North CarolinaVermilion Community CollegeEly, MinnesotaTemple UniversityAmbler, Pennsylvania
References
External links Skagit Valley College PLEA Website Official website containing information. Association of National Park Rangers List of contact information for seasonal academies.