Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy

Program Overview

If you want to specialize in parks law enforcement, this is your program! SVC’s Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy (PRLEA) is one of only seven National Park Service (NPS) approved academies in the U.S. that provides the accredited curriculum that is also approved by other federal land management agencies as a Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP). It is also an approved training program accepted by local and state park agencies.

As a graduate of the academy, you will gain a competitive edge in seeking jobs with the various agencies in the law enforcement community. SVC graduates have been highly successful in securing employment with the National Park Service, Washington State Parks, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Everett City Parks, and many other federal, state, county and city land management agencies (contact specific agencies for employment requirements).

Certificate Options:

The Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy meets the entry requirements for work as a Law Enforcement Park Ranger within the National, State, County and local park systems. This 720 hour-long academy is nationally accredited and approved by the National Park Service and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) to provide Level II law enforcement commissioning. A certificate is awarded to students who complete the required courses with a 2.0 grade point average or above in each course and achieve technical competency. For further information contact the Director of SVC’s Law Enforcement Academies.

Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy Certificate, Planning Guide

Learning Outcomes:

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the PRLEA program will be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the overarching rules governing individual conduct in the Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy.
Demonstrate an understanding of the differences between policies, procedures, protocols, memorandums of understanding, guidelines, laws and rules as they apply in the park/public safety workplace.
Demonstrate an understanding of the parallels between the U.S. and Washington State Constitutions.
Perform defensive tactics, differentiate firearms, know the makeup of chemical agents, use Tasers effectively, and demonstrate emergency vehicle operations on a course.
Demonstrate an understanding of the how the park design often influences park physical security and promotes crime within.

Program Admission

The Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy only enrolls students in Summer and Winter quarters. Please apply at Enrollment Services .

PRLEA Eligibility:

You must be 21 years of age or older, and be physically and mentally fit for service.
You must successfully pass a criminal history and background check, drug analysis screening, and application review by the academy’s Advisory Committee.
You must have a High School diploma or GED certificate.