Basic Training

The Law Enforcement Academy at Tuscaloosa has several sessions for basic training of new peace officers for various agencies.  These APOSTC classes prepare officers for their certification and are taught by highly qualified professionals from around the State of Alabama. A Basic Training session consists of 560hrs of training over 14 weeks.

Session Dates

The following dates have been set for the 2023 – 2024 Academy Sessions:

Attending a Basic Session

After approval by APOSTC the recruit should arrive at the Academy ready to learn and prepared to pass the prescribed APOSTC physical agility and ability test.

The APOSTC Physical Agility and Ability Test

The two-phase test is administered the first day or second of the session (weather permitting) in the manner prescribed on the APOSTC website. Failure to meet the standards set by APOSTC will subject the recruit to a re-test within 48 to 72 hours. Failure to pass the re-test will result in dismissal from the Academy.

Training for the physical agility and ability test should start weeks and months before the session starts,
not in the days and hours prior to arrival.  Quality running shoes are a worthwhile investment during the Academy session.

The Academy Uniform

The Academy uniform is; a blue Dickie style uniform (short sleeved shirt and pants), a black crew neck t-shirt, black work boots or shoes, a black belt and a name tag. Sponsoring agencies must provide the uniform and they are available for lease from The Law Enforcement Academy Tuscaloosa or purchase from MAC (Municipal and Commercial) Uniform or McCain Uniform in Birmingham, AL.

ALACOP Ready

New technologies are changing law enforcement and we have to change to keep up with technology. The Academy Staff requires that each officer attending the Academy has an ALACOP username and password with permissions for eCrash so that they can log in as themselves during eCrash training. The agency’s ALACOP administrator should ensure that the officer has and is familiar with their ALACOP username and password and that the officer is granted eCrash privileges prior to attending the session.

Lodging

Lodging for your stay at the Academy is available at several area hotels.

Hotels with preferential pricing are:

Note: If you mention the Academy when you make your reservations, you should be eligible for the hotel’s Government rate or special pricing for LEAT. You may be able to avoid the applicable tax if your agency can provide a tax exempt document. Notify the Academy Staff if you have problems with these vendors.

Disclaimer: These are vendors who have offered special pricing for housing for the Academy, but are not contracted or affiliated with the Academy.

Day One of your session

Training starts at the time prescribed on the acceptance letter sent to your agency, so make a good impression by being on time and in your seat when the session begins. Arrive wearing personal appropriate physical training clothing. Bring running shoes with you for the physical agility and ability test. Sweat clothing is available for purchase (or can be billed to your agency).  Shower facilities are available on-site so you may bring showering necessities to freshen up after the agility and ability testing.

Firearms

Firearms are not permitted in the building unless specifically called for by Academy staff. Firearms should be secured in the trunk of your vehicle or otherwise secured. This policy will be strictly enforced.  However, your duty belt will be needed early in the session.  Officers wear the duty belt with a provided blue gun for much of the session.  A gun cleaning kit will also be needed.

Ammunition required:

Handgun

• 1,000 rounds, 3 magazines, and a duty flashlight

Shotgun

• 5 rounds of 12 gauge 00 buck shot (9 pellet)
• 5 rounds of 12 gauge (1 ounce slug)

• 1 box of #8 or #6  (12 gauge bird shot)

Rifle

• 20 rounds of .223 rifle ammunition

Firearm Training

One of the education requirements of APOSTC is that the recruit must pass 47 hours of firearms training and qualify on two of three attempts on the firearms course. A minimum score of seventy (70) is required to pass each attempt. Qualifying only once during the firearms qualification attempts will result in required successful attendance in the next Academy Session’s firearms week in order to achieve certification. Failing to qualify at all (no attempts resulting in at least 70%) will result in the recruit being removed from training and barred from employment and certification as a law enforcement officer for two years.  Shotguns and rifles will be provided for long gun familiarization.

Cell Phones

Student’s cell phones, beepers, and lincs are not permitted in the classroom and should be left in your vehicle. Emergency messages may be left with the Academy Staff for delivery to students at 205-759-3000.