A-B Tech BLET is currently accepting applications for the next class, which begins June 24, 2024.
Please note that applications are due by June 24, 2024.
Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) is designed to give students essential skills required for entry-level employment as law enforcement officers with state, county, or municipal governments, or with private enterprises. This program utilizes State-commission-mandated topics and methods of instruction. General subjects include but are not limited to, criminal, juvenile, civil, traffic, and alcoholic beverage laws; investigative, patrol, custody, and court procedures; emergency responses; and ethics and community relations. Successful graduates receive a curriculum certificate and are qualified to take certification examinations mandated by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and/or the North Carolina Sheriff's Education and Training Standards Commission.
BLET Contacts:
Daryl Fisher, Director
- Phone: (828) 782-2841
- Email: robertdfisher@abtech.edu
Jeff Augram, Deputy Director
- Phone: (828) 782 2319
- Email: charlesjaugram@abtech.edu (preferred contact)
Rachel Fields, Administrative Assistant
- Phone: (828) 782-2622
- Email: rachelhfields@abtech.edu
Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Certificate
BLET Enrollment Information
**************** Read This Information Before Moving Further *****************************
- To begin the BLET enrollment process, go to Admissions Overview
- Click on “Apply Now” and complete the entire online A-B Tech College application, even if you are a returning A-B Tech student.
- During the online enrollment process, you will complete a residency determination and receive a Residency Certification Number (RCN). You will need this unique number to complete the application and BLET enrollment process. The online application and printed application are both required.
- Download an enrollment packet using the link at the bottom of the page, pick up a printed packet from the front desk at A-B Tech Woodfin during regular business hours, or contact Daryl Fisher, Director of Law Enforcement Training, at the phone number below.
- The enrollment packet must be submitted to the BLET Director at least two (2) weeks prior to the course start date. Incomplete, late-submitted, or falsified packets may be declined at the discretion of the School Director.
- To schedule a time for packet review with Director Fisher, contact:
- Rachel Fields, Administrative Assistant, Law Enforcement Training - email rachelhfields@abtech.edu or call (828) 782-2622
Required Enrollment Documentation (Ref. 12 NCAC 9B .0203)
- Valid Driver’s License, Birth Certificate, and Social Security Card **
- Candidate Data Sheet
- TABE (reading comprehension test) results indicate a minimum of 10th-grade reading level. See "TABE Testing for BLET" below
- A-B Tech online application and Residency Confirmation, New Student Orientation (online, if applicable), and Financial Payment Agreement
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Reasonable Accommodation Request form
- A-B Tech Release of Information (FERPA) form
- BLET Sponsorship form. Sponsorship by an NC law enforcement agency is required and must be maintained throughout the training
- Official (sealed) transcripts indicating high school graduation, high school equivalent completion, or graduation from an accredited college or university. Documentation from a high school correspondence course through a for-profit entity is not acceptable per NC Administrative Code
- College transcripts (Optional; can be an unofficial copy)
- DD214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (If applicable)**
- Certified Copy of Criminal Records Check (all counties and states of residence since age 16, including periods of military service)
- Copy of Driving History (all counties and states of residence since age 16, including periods of military service; can be an unofficial copy from NC DMV)
- F1(LE): Medical History Statement
- F2(LE): Medical Examination Statement
- F3(LE): Law Enforcement Personal History Statement
- Medical Release and Questionnaire (A-B Tech form)
- A-B Tech Release Agreement/Waiver of Liability form
** Bring original documents. Staff will make copies and return documents to the candidate.
NC Administrative Code requires all BLET candidates to submit originals of the F1(LE): Medical History Statement and F2(LE): Medical Examination Statement. Additionally, A-B Tech uses the F3(LE) Personal History Statement as part of the BLET application. These forms can be found at Forms & Publications.
Preparation Tips for the BLET Packet Review
- Try to get to know some of the people who have been through BLET ahead of time. Request a tour of the Emergency Services Training Center, and/or stop by to ask questions. Many agencies allow for a ride-along so try to schedule one prior to making application for BLET. Scheduling can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months so plan accordingly.
- Be sure your hair is well groomed and be clean-shaven to make a good first impression when you come in for a BLET packet.
- Dress to impress. Business casual is acceptable, but be professionally dressed.
- Avoid using any strong colognes or perfumes.
- When looking for a law enforcement agency to sponsor you, research the department ahead of time and study the material found on their website.
- Learn the names of the Chief of Police or Sheriff of the agency you are requesting sponsorship from, their mission/vision statements, department goals, city or county demographics, and recent police-related news.
- Bring a valid driver’s license, social security card, and birth certificate.
- Write down questions you may have prior to the BLET packet review to bring with you.
- Be on time for your BLET packet review, preferably 15 minutes early (you might have to fill out paperwork).
- Arrive with a clear and open mind so that you can focus on the questions being asked.
- Do not bring unnecessary distractions into the review (such as silencing your cell phone).
- Try to relax before entering the review. Take 3 deep breaths.
- Be enthusiastic, make eye contact, give a firm handshake, and smile when greeted or spoken to.
- Try to address the interviewers by their name and title if you can remember them.
- Be truthful. They are trained professionals and will find out if you are being deceptive.
- Ensure you answer the questions thoroughly and answer each part of the question.
- Be confident (not to be confused with arrogant).
- Avoid looking down when answering questions (this can be viewed as deceptive).
- Before finishing up, you may be asked if there is anything else you would like to add. This is your opportunity to sell yourself and make a lasting final impression, as well as correct any answers that you think you may have answered poorly. Treat this review as if you were interviewing for a job, as you are entering a profession with very high standards.
- Be sure to thank them for their time with a firm handshake and wish them well.
Release of Information (FERPA)
A-B Tech is committed to creating an environment of respect, integrity, and support for every student strives to create a safe, diverse, and inclusive academic environment, and honors the candidate’s right to privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). The BLET School Director is required by NC Administrative Code to provide to NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission certain pieces of candidate information, but such dissemination occurs only as allowed by college policy and/or state and federal law.
TABE/Reading Comprehension Testing for BLET
NC Administrative Code requires that all candidates seeking enrollment into the BLET program must pass a reading comprehension test at the 10th-grade level or higher within twelve months of the BLET course start date.
To schedule the required reading comprehension test, contact either Rachel Fields at rachelhfields@abtech.edu or Daryl Fisher at robertdfisher@abtech.edu.
Program Acceptance and Enrollment
Class size is established by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. Qualified candidates are accepted into the BLET program on a first-come, first-served basis, with those currently employed by a law enforcement agency being given preferential consideration. Once deemed qualified for admission, the candidate will receive information on textbooks, uniforms, and other relevant matters.