Minimum Training Standards: Deputy Sheriffs

Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)

Once a deputy sheriff becomes initially employed as such with a sheriff‘s office, he/she is then placed on a probationary period for twelve (12) months. During the probationary period, the deputy sheriff should complete a Basic Law Enforcement Training Course. A deputy sheriff that does not complete a course delivery during the probationary period will no longer be able to perform the duties of a deputy sheriff.

The current Commission mandated Basic Law Enforcement Training Course, as outlined in Rule .0502 of the Administrative Code, should contain a minimum of 640 hours of instruction.

An individual may also choose to enroll in the Basic Law Enforcement Training Course at a local community college or at the North Carolina Justice Academy. The local college or Justice Academy should be contacted for their enrollment criteria. Successful completion of BLET remains valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of passing the state examination. If an individual completes a course delivery and begins employment with an agency more than one (1) year from the administering of the state examination, the individual’s training would be considered invalid and he/she would be required to complete an additional course delivery.

The rules governing the minimum standards for completion of Basic Law Enforcement Training are found in Title 12, Subchapter 9B, Section .0400 of the North Carolina Administrative Code. These rules are administered by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.

Some individuals sworn as deputies who have prior North Carolina law enforcement service may qualify as lateral transfers and not be required to complete any additional basic training.  However, if the individual was under an obligation to complete in-service training and did not do so, he/she must make-up in-service training before performing law enforcement functions.  See the In-Service Training FAQs on the All Commission Forms and Publications Page for details.

Other individuals being sworn as deputies who may have prior out-of-state, federal, or North Carolina law enforcement service may qualify to attempt to challenge BLET by passing the state examination and undergoing a skills assessment.

BLET Challenge Additional Information 

Annual In-Service Training is also required for Deputy Sheriffs.