UNC System Launches First Statewide Law Enforcement Training Academy

This week, the University of North Carolina system announced that the launch of its first Basic Law Enforcement (BLET) academy, convening campus police cadets from across North Carolina at Sama Training Academy in Moore County. The first class included 17 cadets representing institutions across the UNC System.  

Previously, campus police recruits completed 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 tailed to the 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. “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. System leaders say this approach better prepares officers for the unique dynamics of campus policing.