The UNC System has launched its first Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) academy, bringing together campus police cadets from across the state at the Samarcand Training Academy in Moore County. The inaugural class includes 17 cadets representing departments across the UNC System.

Previously, campus police recruits completed required training at a variety of locations across North Carolina. The new academy allows the UNC System to bring cadets together in a single setting, strengthening collaboration and providing a shared foundation tailored to the public safety needs of university campuses.

“This is the first time the UNC System has been able to train our officers together from the start,” said Frederick Sellers, vice president for safety and enterprise risk management for the UNC System, in a press release. “It gives us the opportunity to prepare officers with a common understanding of the campus environment and the expectations that come with serving our students, faculty and staff.”

The academy fulfills the state-mandated 868 hours of BLET instruction required for law enforcement certification in North Carolina. The program is conducted in partnership with the N.C. Department of Public Safety’s Samarcand Training Academy and Sandhills Community College, which coordinates BLET instruction. Coursework includes criminal law, firearms, driver training, ethics, physical skills and crisis response.

Much of the instruction is delivered by certified UNC System law enforcement officers from campuses across the state, allowing cadets to learn within the context of higher education while meeting statewide training standards. 

The UNC System expects to offer one to two academy classes each year as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen recruitment, retention and readiness within campus police departments.