Frequently Asked Questions - Niagara University

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, NY 14109 716-286-8181 WWW.NIAGARA.EDU/CE
Continuing Education
February 2012
Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy (NCLEA) at Niagara University
Answers to additional questions may be found at the
NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services web site www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us
1. What is the basic information?
The Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy (NCLEA) at Niagara University is the Niagara County
approved training for law enforcement officers. The NCLEA currently operates a full time day academy
and an evening/weekend pre‐employment program.
The training is a partnership between the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, Niagara Falls Police
Department, and Niagara University which is coordinated through Continuing Education and the
Department of Criminal Justice.
The full time day academy is structured towards sworn officers who are already hired by departments
with daily training and classroom instruction. The Pre‐Employment program is designed for current
civilians or non‐sworn personnel throughout New York State who are interested in entering the law
enforcement field as police officers in New York State. Although the program does not guarantee
admission into a police department, every standard required by a full time basic police academy applies
to this program, including physical fitness, attendance, and academics.
Upon successful completion of the Pre‐Employment program, graduates receive a transcript and
certificate indicating completion of Phase I of the Pre‐Employment Police Basic Training. The certificate
gives students two (2) years to secure employment in a police department and complete the Phase II
portion of the training before being awarded a full Basic School Certificate from DCJS.
2. What is the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy (NCLEA) at Niagara University?
In the State of New York, police officers are appointed and attend the Basic Course for Police Officers at
a regional academy. A typical course consists of a mix of police officers from a variety of police
departments and sheriff's offices in that region of the state.
The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) approves all programs in law enforcement training
for police officers. NCLEA at Niagara University operates a full time day academy (Phase I and Phase II)
and an evening/weekend part‐time academy (Phase I only).
Sworn Officers take both Phase I and Phase II while Pre‐Employment candidates only participate in
Phase I. Classes may have both types of recruits and students enrolled are provided the same
educational and physical content. Criteria for passing are the same for all students.

3. What is the Pre‐Employment Police Basic Training Course?
(from DCJS web site www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us)
The Pre‐Employment Police Basic Training Course provides students with the opportunity to complete
many aspects of basic police training before being appointed as a police officer in New York State. Pre‐
employment training is achieved through a collaboration between a municipality and an accredited
college, junior college, or two‐year college having an active criminal justice, public safety program, or
other similar or equivalent program registered and approved by the Department of Education.
After being appointed by a law enforcement agency, a sworn officer who has completed the Pre‐
Employment Police Basic Training Course must complete the post appointment component of the
training.
4. When are the academies?
NOTE: Dates and times may change and modified without notice.
Niagara University operates two academies:
1) a full‐time academy
2) a part‐time academy
One extremely important note for the part‐time academy: If you are not able to commit to this year
long schedule without absences or staying in top physical shape, you should not apply because you will
not pass.
Both required Full‐time commitment in order to pass the high standards academically and physically.
Full time day academy: July – December. Monday–Friday all day.
• The full time academy is 22 weeks including the last 4 which consists of Field Training with
sworn recruits back at their agencies.
• Annually from July to December and generally operates Monday through Friday from 7:30am‐
4:30pm. Excused absences will be limited and reviewed on a case by case basis.
Pre‐Employment evening/weekend academy: September ‐ May.
• The evening/weekend academy will be held annually from September to May and generally
operates Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30‐9:30pm and Saturdays from 8am‐5pm.
• In the spring, additional Friday evenings for physical fitness training is required.
5. How much is the academy?
The academy fee for pre‐employment candidates currently stands at $4200.00. Accepted students will
be required to submit a $200 non‐refundable deposit and will be billed through proper Student
Accounts for the remaining balance. Students are eligible to participate in a tuition payment plan.
Accepted candidates are also responsible for their uniform, fingerprinting, gym attire, running shoes,
proper footwear, and textbooks. These additional coats are approximately $200.
Full‐time Niagara University Criminal Justice students are charged half price academy fee in addition to
their tuition. Questions about status should be directed to Mr. Ron Winkley in Criminal Justice at
rwinkley@niagara.edu or (716) 286‐8089.
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6. Who are the instructors of the NCLEA?
All instruction is conducted by approved DCJS instructors and experts in law enforcement topics.
Specialists in specific areas may also provide additional instruction only when approved by the NCLEA
co‐directors, NU Criminal Justice Department and DCJS.
7. Where is the NCLEA at Niagara University?
A campus map may be found online at www.niagara.edu to these specific locations below for the
academy.
• Marian House: classroom instruction and co‐directors offices.
• Kiernan Center: Physical Training (PT) and Defensive Tactics (DT).
• Additional off site locations: Not all training will be conducted on the campus of Niagara
University. Courses such as Firearms Training, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC)
and others will be conducted off campus and coordinated by the co‐directors. Each student is
responsible for their own transportation.
8. Who participates in the NCLEA?
Full‐time Academy (Phase I and Phase II)
• Only appointed police officers who are registered with DCJS by their employing agencies are
eligible to receive certificates of completion for the Basic Course for Police Officers.
• Only sworn recruits may participate in both Phase I and Phase II of the training.
• Pre‐employment students may only participate in Phase I only.
• Phase II will be coordinated and offered only to sworn recruits.
Pre‐Employment (Phase I only)
• Officially accepted students.
• Student must apply and be accepted by both the NCLEA co‐directors and the Department of
Criminal Justice at Niagara University.
• Pre‐Employment students may only participate in Phase I.
• Upon successful graduation, Pre‐Employment students are awarded a Certificate of Completion
for Phase I. A prospective hiring agency will arrange for completion of Phase II training before a
full certificate from DCJS is awarded.
9. Does being accepted to the NCLEA mean I am accepted to NU?
No. You are accepted as a non‐matriculated student and will be awarded 12 credits in criminal justice if
you successfully complete the program. If you would like to seek a bachelors degree, you must contact
the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 1‐800‐462‐2111 or email admissions@niagara.edu .
10. What are the requirements?
Applying is not a guaranteed entry in the program. You should review all of the standards required for
successful completion before deciding to apply. There are physical and academic requirements.
• Valid NYS Drivers License
• No Felony Convictions
• Successfully pass a background check
• Proof of Immunization
• Able to pass physical agility pre‐test
• A legal resident of New York State
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11. Classroom and Academic Standards
There are both academic and physical requirements for acceptance and completion. Pre‐employment
students must be accepted academically to the Criminal Justice program at Niagara University. In
addition, they must submit the NCLEA application and pass specific physical requirements.
Students must meet the minimum passing scores for all exams conducted by the co‐directors of the
NCLEA. Students are also required to meet the minimum proficiency standards in all applicable physical
and training areas. (Defensive tactics, physical training, etc.)
12. What are the physical standards?
Physical standards for acceptance into the NCLEA are established. Also, in order for a student to receive
a certificate of completion, certain physical and classroom standards must be met before the end of the
training.
Physical
• Candidates must pass the 40% entry standard in order to be accepted into the Academy.
• Students must also meet physical standard by the end of the Academy.
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PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS
QUALIFYING PHYSICAL FITNESS SCREENING TEST (AGILITY)
Sit‐up: Muscular endurance (core body) – the score indicated below is the number of bent‐leg sit‐ups
performed in one minute.
Push‐up: Muscular endurance (upper body) – the score below is the number of full‐body repetitions
that a candidate must complete without breaks.
1.5‐Mile Run: Cardiovascular capacity – the (time) score indicated below is calculated in minutes and
seconds.
Entry Level Testing that Pre‐Employment applicants must pass to be considered for being accepted.
40% Sit‐Up Push‐Up 1.5 Mile Run
Male
Age 20 – 29 38 29 12:38
30 – 39 35 24 12:58
40 – 49 29 18 13:50
50 – 59 24 13 15:06
60+
Female
19 10 16:46
Age 20 – 29 32 15 14:50
30 – 39 25 11 15:43
40 – 49 20 9 16:31
50 – 59 14 N/A 18:18
60+ 6 N/A 20:16

13. Is this program eligible for financial aid?
No. Students are considered a non‐matriculated student at Niagara University (unless you are a current
NU student in Criminal Justice). If you would like to pursue a degree, you should apply to the Office of
Admissions at NU and the Criminal Justice department.
14. Can I use the other Niagara University campus facilities as a NCLEA student?
NCLEA students receive a Niagara University ID card and should carry it with them at all times. You are
considered a part‐time non‐matriculated student at NU unless you are enrolled in other programs that
make you a full‐time student.
Students are allowed to use the library, computer rooms, Gallagher Center and can even load their ID
with funds to use in Clet Dining Hall.
If NCLEA students wish to use the Kiernan Recreation Center (KRC) outside the training times associated
with the NCLEA, they are required to pay $100 per semester like other part‐time UG students. You may
purchase a KRC membership at the Kiernan Center front desk or by contacting Student Accounts.
15. What if I am a Veteran served in the Military or am eligible to receive family military benefits
(father, mother, etc.)?
Veterans should contact Mr. Robert Healy, Veterans Services Coordinator at Niagara University prior to
enrolling at (716) 286‐8341 or rhealy@niagara.edu to determine if there are eligible for benefits.
NOTE: You should do this as soon as possible, so Mr. Healy can determine how best to serve you
16. After successful completion, what will I have?
After successful completion of the Pre‐Employment program each student will receive a transcript and
certificate indicating that he or she has completed Phase I of the Police Pre‐Employment Basic Training.
This certificate will be good for two (2) years from the date of the certificate.
It is up to each student to secure employment in a police department and complete the Phase II portion
of the training before being awarded a full Basic School Certificate from DCJS. Those allowing their
certificate to lapse will be required to attend some amount of refresher courses in order to be re‐
validated for another two years.
17. Do I have to participate in the entire Pre‐Employment Police Basic Training Program since
have experience?
Yes. There are no exceptions or allowances for transfer and life experience.
18. If I successfully complete this course, am I guaranteed employment as a police officer?
(from DCJS web site www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us)
No. Successful completion of the course is not a guarantee of employment as a police officer. Training,
including pre‐employment training, is just one step in the process. Before being appointed as a police
officer, a person must meet various New York State Civil Service Law requirements and appointing
agency hiring standards, including minimum and maximum age and residency requirements.
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Additionally, candidates must take and successfully complete a written examination, a physical fitness
examination and a medical examination that may include drug screening. Further, before being
appointed as a police officer, a person may be required to submit to a psychological examination and a
background investigation. A person with a criminal conviction or with a felony conviction may be
disqualified from employment.
19. Can this training be used to satisfy basic police training requirements in other states?
(from DCJS web site www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us)
The decision to accept basic training completed in other states to satisfy basic police training
requirements is made pursuant to the rules established by the state where a person is seeking
appointment as a police officer, and the law enforcement agency considering that candidate.
20. Is a police department or sheriff's office required to use this training?
(from DCJS web site www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us)
No. Pre‐employment training is an alternative to the conventional basic police training model in New
York State. Law enforcement administrators decide what method of basic training best suites their
individual needs.
21. After a student completes this course and is appointed as a police officer, what further
training is required?
(from DCJS web site www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us)
Within one year of appointment, a police officer must successfully complete the Basic Course for Police
Officers. After being appointed by a law enforcement agency, a sworn officer who has completed the
Pre‐Employment Police Basic Training Course must complete the post appointment component of the
training, which includes at a minimum law enforcement skills and supervised field training. Law
enforcement agencies and academies may add topics and increase the length of post appointment
training to meet their individual needs.
22. Are there any age restrictions for this program?
There are no minimum or maximum age requirements for students.
However, you should note that according to section 58 of the Civil Service Law, a candidate seeking
permanent appointment to a police officer title must be twenty (20) years of age as of the date of
appointment and not more than thirty‐five (35) years of age as of the date when the applicant takes the
written examination.
You must be 20 years old by time you graduate as a pre‐employment student. It is your responsibility to
check with the hiring agency.
23. What are the objectives for the NCLEA and Niagara University?
1. Offer the Niagara Country Law Enforcement Academy (NCLEA) that adheres to all Division of
Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) regulations to properly train Police and Sheriff officers.
2. Partner with the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and Niagara Falls Police Department to provide
approved instruction for sworn recruits and pre‐employment recruits.
3. Generate educational opportunities to support Niagara University and future Law Enforcement
Academy operations.
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24. Where can I get more information?
Almost all of your questions are answered on the web site and application packet. We encourage you to
read the documents first.
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Niagara University: Office of Continuing Education
Dunleavy Hall 103
Niagara University, NY 14086
716‐286‐8181
www.niagara.edu/ce
Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy
at Niagara University
www.niagara.edu/nclea
DCJS: DCJS web site www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us