Seasonal Law Enforcement
Training Program

(information updated August 8, 2016)

The Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP) was developed in 1977 to prepare the seasonal ranger to perform law enforcement in areas administered by the National Park Service. The training program is offered at various venues across the country. The core required program consists of over 650 class hours and lasts on average 17 weeks. Some programs may offer additional add-on classes to increase your potential for hire with the NPS.

A successful graduate becomes eligible to receive a Type II law enforcement commission once a background investigation, drug testing and medical screening has been completed. Questions regarding medical standards and physical fitness standards can be found in the Important Student Information on the left hand side of this page. 

Once commissioned as a U.S. Park Ranger, the Ranger is authorized to carry firearms, make arrests, investigate crimes and assist in the execution of warrants as per NPS policy.

The cost of each school's program is set by the administration of that school. Prospective students should personally contact the directors of the schools being considered and inquire as to the availability of housing and meals, as well as the tuition costs and any additional fees for ammunition, targets or other items.

Colorado Northwestern Community College

500 Kennedy Drive (Cramer Building) | Rangely, CO 81648

Class Dates:

August 15, 2017 - December 1, 2017

January 8, 2018 - April 27, 2018

(Applications will be accepted until one month prior to academy start date.)

Overview

CNCC has been holding NPS LE academies since 1990, has a staff made entirely of previous NPS personnel. Classes are limited to 22 students. This is a FLETC-accredited, 17-week academy that provides the student with 650 hours (30 credit hours) of training. Upon completion of the academy, students will receive a FLETA-accredited NPS/FLETC SLETP certification. This certification will allow you to be eligible for a seasonal Type II position with the National Park Service. This academy is for college credit but students are not required to be part of a degree program.

The academy is located in NW CO, within three hours of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Moab, Canyonlands, Arches, Dinosaur, CO National Monument, and countless BLM and FS lands. CNCC routinely has class trips to these areas, and also rents out outdoor recreation equipment to students at no cost. Along with an on-campus climbing gym that provides free gear and lessons, the recreation center (including weight room and pool) in Rangely is available at no cost to students.

The CNCC tuition conveniently includes housing (single occupancy) and meals (19 per week). Additional certificates included with the academy curriculum include TASER, radar, patrol rifle, and NHTSA DUI/SFST/HGN with wet lab. During each academy is an optional 40-hour wildland firefighting class. This course covers National Wildfire Coordinating Group curriculum (S130, S180 and S190). Upon completion you are eligible to obtain a Red Card. Also, during or following the academy is offered an Emergency Medical Responder (40 hours) course and a NASAR FUNSAR/SARTech II (45 hours) course.

The CNCC Academy is now eligible under FAFSA for all students as of May 2017. It is also eligible under the Colorado College Opportunity Fund and the GI Bill.

Northern Arizona University

Park Ranger Training Program

Department of Geography, Planning and Recreation

P.O. Box 15016 | Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5016

Tentative Class Dates:

August 17 - November 20, 2015
January 4 - May 13, 2016
August 15 - December 16, 2016

Santa Rosa Junior College

Public Safety Training Center

5743 Skylane Blvd. | Windsor, CA 95492

Class Dates:

August 22 - December 16, 2016

January 17 - May 11, 2017

Overview

SRJC’s Ranger Academy was the first of its kind. Since 1978 when NPS first set seasonal ranger law enforcement training standards, SRJC has hosted 130 classes with more than 3,200 graduates. In the last 12 years SRJC built completely new public safety classroom and field facilities in Windsor, California, including an indoor firing range, driver training track, and a full-scale scenario village and campground affording students varied and realistic settings for hands-on learning. The 16-week program is accredited and trains to NPS Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program standards, often with working rangers as instructors. Students are evaluated with supportive feedback in constitutional and criminal law, behavioral science, park patrol and enforcement, driving, firearms and officer safety. SRJC welcomes your further interest.

Skagit Valley College

Department of Criminal Justice

2405 E. College Way | Mount Vernon, WA 98273-5899

Class Dates:
August 20 - December 19, 2018

January 2 - April 26, 2018

Overview

Skagit Valley College's SLETP program is a rigorous 720 hour FLETA-accredited academy held at the Mount Vernon Campus and is not available online. The Parks Law Enforcement Academy is based on a blended curriculum blending the National Park Service-approved curriculum with relevant portions of the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Reserve Officer's Program. This has resulted in qualification with a SLETP certificate and certification to work for certain agencies that require or recognize peace officer training with a natural/cultural/historic resources protection emphasis, including Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, county and local parks, and natural resources agencies in Washington or reciprocating states.

The college also offers an optional EMT class and certification and a Wildland Fire Class and certification concurrent and compatible with the Parks Law Enforcement Academy

The program is conducted in a full-time academy setting with a typical week consisting of a minimum of 40+ hours. Protecting America's treasures-its parks and natural areas-motivates our leadership and instructors to train you to be the best you can be, and above all, successful on your first day on the job as a law enforcement protection park ranger.

You may request that an information/application packet to be mailed to your U.S. postal address. We look forward to your interest in this life-changing program.

Southwestern Community College

Jerry Sutton Public Safety Training Center

225 Industrial Park Loop | Franklin, NC 28734

Class Dates:
August 6 - December 7, 2018 (deadline to apply: July 13, 2018)

January 7 - May 10, 2019 (deadline to apply: December 3, 2018)

NOTE: Academies are limited to 24 recruits.

OVERVIEW

Since 1978  the Southwestern Community College - Public Safety Training Center (SCC-PSTC) has been dedicated to the delivery and improvement of the National Park Service – Seasonal Law Enforcement Training (NPS-SLET) program for prospective seasonal (Type II) commissioned Law Enforcement Park Rangers. Since Class #1 graduated in 1978, Southwestern has graduated more than 2400 students from the Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program.  Located at the Franklin, NC campus, SCC offers a 700+ hour, 18 week FLETA accredited program.  The program includes High Risk Woodlands Operation training during the 18 week session.  An optional add-on 40 hour wildland firefighting course is offered at the end of the SLET program.    

Temple University

Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program

Department of Criminal Justice

523 Gladfelter Hall, 1115 W. Berks St. | Philadelphia, PA 19122

Class Dates:
August 14 – December 18, 2017

August 13 – December 17, 2018

About Temple University

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and with approximately 39,000 students from all 50 states and 123 nations, Temple University is the 28th largest university and the fourth largest provider of professional education in the United States. Temple currently offers more than 300 academic degree programs, with many nationally ranked graduate programs including criminal justice. Temple has been recognized in recent years as one of the nation’s most diverse public universities, with more than 43 percent of students identifying as non-white. Temple is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University College at Temple offers the National Park Service Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program and a certificate in National Park Service Management. Temple offers the SLETP at its Ambler Campus with a maximum class size of 26 students. Temple’s SLETP is a full-time, federally accredited 18-week program consisting of more than 680 hours of instruction designed to prepare and enable students to obtain employment with the National Park Service as a seasonal Type II law enforcement ranger. The curriculum places particular emphasis on visitor and resource protection, federal law and procedure, authority and jurisdiction, natural and cultural resource management, officer safety and survival skills, and physical conditioning. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a certificate of completion and participate in a graduation and an awards ceremony highlighting distinguished achievement in academics, marksmanship, driving, leadership and physical fitness.

Vermilion Community College

Seasonal Park Law Enforcement Ranger Training

1900 East Camp St. | Ely, Minnesota 55731

Class Dates:
August 20 - December 13, 2018

Overview

Vermilion Community College is a two-year community college in Ely, Minnesota, adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest. The college specializes in outdoor environmental education, resource management and protection of natural resources. Vermilion Community College offers a variety of two-year degrees (AA, AS, AAS), diplomas and certificates. Vermilion Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Vermilion offers the NPS seasonal law enforcement training program as a blended program to meet the requirements of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. The academy includes several components above and beyond the current NPS SLETP curriculum (MOCC, PPCT, NHTSA SFST, rifle and Taser). The program is offered once a year and the class size is limited to 30 students.