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Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy

Protecting our parks and national treasures

 

PRLEA Program


If you want to specialize in parks law enforcement, this is your program! SVC’s Park Ranger Law Enforcement Academy is one of only six 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. Our 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


About the Program


  • Two 750-hour programs: Fall August through December, or Winter January through May.
  • iPad issued to cadets with academy curriculum and enabled for classroom and field use.
  • Curriculum Includes
    • Contemporary law enforcement tactics and legal information for visitor protection.
    • Emphasis on natural, cultural, and historic resources protection methods.
  • Particular attention to hands-on experiential problem-based.

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.
  • You must have a valid Driver’s License.
  • You must have current health insurance coverage.

 

Additional Training Options


In addition to the PRLEA Certification, students are welcome to gain extra training in Wildland Firefighting and Emergency Medical Response (EMR). Classes are optional and tuition and fees are assessed separately. Gaining this extra training will add qualifications for students when they begin applying for competitive Federal and State Park Service employment. 

  • Wildland Firefighting—Completion of FIRE 126 (3 cr.) will allow students to suppress wildland fires while under close supervision.
  • Emergency Medical Responder—Completion of FIRE 140 (5 cr.) prepares students to take the Washington State 60-hour First Responder emergency medical certification test battery.


Employment Resources


 

 

 

 

Upcoming Academy Dates

FALL 2024
August 19 - December 14, 2024

SPRING 2025
January 6 - May 6, 2025

 

PRLEA Scholarship Available

Please see Cost and Financing page for information on applying.

Contact Us

Rick Mossman, Commander
Public Safety Academies
Mount Vernon Campus
2405 East College Way
Mount Vernon WA, 98273
360.416.7829
rick.mossman@skagit.edu

PRLEA Program Coordinator
360.416.7919
academy.assistant@skagit.edu

PLEA Academy Graduation