Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey Recognizes, Swears-In First Class of BCSO Basic Recruit Training Program

Newly created in-house Law Enforcement Training Academy facilitated through partnership with Eastern Florida State College

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – I was recently honored to celebrate the graduates of the very first class of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Basic Recruit Training Program and also to swear them in as Deputy Sheriffs with our agency.

Our newly created in-house Law Enforcement Training Academy is facilitated through an amazing partnership with Eastern Florida State College.

Our Training & Recruitment Unit provides all of the instruction for the recruits, from Defensive Tactics to Vehicle Operations to Firearms Training, as we make sure they excel in their preparation to serve as Deputy Sheriffs.

In addition to the hands-on training, a major emphasis is placed on the academic standards of the curriculum, with this class having a 91.77% academic average.

I could not be more proud of our instructors for the amazing job they did with preparing this class for their journey through the academy!! And to our first graduating class…25-L1, you all set the bar high and showed us just how ready you were to join our BCSO family.

Please join me in congratulating the 12 newest Deputy Sheriffs of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, as they begin their journey protecting our incredible community.

Eastern Florida State College’s Law Enforcement Academy Shaping the Future of Public Safety

Located at Eastern Florida State College’s Public Safety Institute, the Law Enforcement Academy has been a trusted resource for providing the exceptional training that new officers in our Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments need to protect our communities.

More than just a training facility, the Academy is where discipline meets dedication and cadets transform into officers ready to protect, serve, and lead with integrity.

“The Law Enforcement Academy’s goal isn’t just to teach future officers the basics of the law,” said Police Chief John Lau of the Titusville Police Department.

“It’s about instilling the values and leadership skills that define great law enforcement professionals.”

That philosophy echoes throughout the Academy, where experienced and respected instructors are known for their high expectations, personalized support, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

“The Academy’s success is evident in the numbers,” said College President Dr. Jim Richey.

“The most recent graduating class of 37 students achieved a 100% pass rate on the Florida State Officer Certification Examination (SOCE), with an average GPA of over 92%.

These outcomes testify to the Academy’s rigorous 770-hour curriculum and the exceptional instructors committed to our success.”

Quality, Experienced Law Enforcement Instructors Make the Difference

“I’m really impressed by the quality of instructors,” shared Samantha Harris, a current Academy student training to become a Deputy Sheriff.

“They’re all current or former law enforcement officers, and they bring so many different perspectives and real-world experiences that you can’t get from just reading a book. That experience is invaluable.”

Matt Jankowski, a current instructor and Public Safety Coordinator at Eastern Florida, emphasized the importance of understanding both the law and effective communication.

“They must know the laws they’ll be enforcing. After that, report writing is critical because it’s the foundation of the criminal justice process,” Jankowski explained. “As much as we love range time and driving courses, the reality is that strong reports are how we ensure justice is carried out.”

The Academy’s commitment to superior hands-on training also sets it apart.

“Eastern Florida’s instructors don’t just train officers—they shape leaders,” added Melbourne’s Police Chief David Gillespie. “Their personal investment in every cadet sets the College’s program apart.”

Jankowski agreed with the Chief’s comments and added, “We give students as much trigger time as possible—about 79 hours on the range where they collectively shoot thousands of rounds, and it really shows in their competency. I’ve heard from students at other academies that they didn’t get nearly the same amount of range time. Here, students really get the experience they need.”

Curriculum Tailored for Success

The Academy offers multiple pathways to certification, including the popular 770-hour Florida Law Enforcement Academy Career and Technical Certificate, which prepares students through an intensive and structured curriculum.

The Academy also offers an accelerated 490-hour program for eligible U.S. military veterans, which honors their service while streamlining their path to law enforcement certification.

Additionally, the Auxiliary Law Enforcement Officer certificate, consisting of 360 hours of training, prepares graduates to serve in supportive law enforcement roles on the Space Coast and beyond.

The majority of training is conducted on EFSC’s Melbourne Campus, which accommodates a range of students, from working adults to career changers.

Each program is developed under the guidance of the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, which comprises leaders from our county’s municipal and county law enforcement agencies.

They ensure Eastern Florida State College academies are conducted to meet and exceed the high standards of the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Trace Markle, a current cadet planning to work for the Melbourne Police Department after graduation, has had a positive experience with the Academy that goes beyond traditional learning.

“My self-confidence has skyrocketed,” said Markle. “I broke through walls I didn’t even realize I had. I’m doing things that I never imagined I’d be capable of, like shooting and defensive tactics.”

Samantha Harris noted the personal growth that comes with stepping outside her comfort zone. “Coming out here has helped me get around different personalities again, talk to people, and grow personally after years of being more introverted post-military service.”

Brevard Police Testing and Selection Center

Every candidate’s journey begins with the Brevard Police Testing & Selection Center (BPTC) at Eastern Florida State College’s Public Safety Institute.

Established in 1987 by the Florida Legislature, the BPTC plays a critical role in screening and vetting applicants through rigorous assessments, including the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJBAT), the Physical Abilities Test (PAT), and an in-depth background check.

Applicants must meet the state’s minimum standards, including age, education, and legal qualifications as defined by Florida Statute 943.13. Veterans with an honorable discharge or individuals with an associate degree may be eligible for CJBAT exemptions.

Looking Ahead

Although more than 50 Law Enforcement recruits are attending the Eastern Florida Law Enforcement Academies, EFSC plans to offer additional academy classes beginning July 28 and October 2. EFSC’s Law Enforcement Academy continues to open doors for aspiring officers from all walks of life.

Whether exiting military service, changing careers, or just starting, every cadet is supported in becoming a confident and capable guardian of public safety.

“This is the best profession in the world,” Jankowski said. “I have loved it for 30 years, and I’m so dedicated to it that I decided to give more time to training the next generation.”

Eastern Florida State College is continuing to meet the need to provide the highest-quality recruits to the exceptional Law Enforcement agencies on the Space Coast and beyond.

Before the year is out, Eastern Florida State College hopes to put more than 100 new law enforcement officers on the streets, which will help ensure that Brevard’s citizens are in good hands.

Eastern Florida State College’s Law Enforcement Academy isn’t just a training ground, and it’s a launchpad for a new generation of officers ready to make a difference, one shift, one call, and one life at a time.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement, please visit Easternflorida.edu/go/law-enforcement to learn more.

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