From Martin Community College

On Jan. 12, eight Basic Law Enforcement Training students were recognized for completing the 620-hour course of study at Martin Community College.

The BLET program is part of MCC’s Continuing Education Division.

Those recognized included: Patrick Bond, Taylor S. Campbell, Joseph C. Comeaux, Tracy P. Curlings, Daniel E. Folk, Brandon G. Johnson, Tykelli J. Perry and Jonathan Price.

Upon course completion, the graduates were then able to take the State Comprehensive Examination on Jan. 13. Upon passing this test, they will be eligible for employment in all North Carolina law enforcement agencies. Two of the cadets have already been offered positions pending passage of the exam.

Program Director Wayland Mitchell welcomed the audience comprised of friends, families of the cadets and instructors. He praised the students for their hard work and determination over the past six months.

Guest speaker Capt. Beth Coltrain, who is an alumna of MCC’s BLET program, delivered a speech to the cadets as they prepare to embark on their law enforcement careers.

“Today you transition from cadet to officer. Not only will you graduate as a police officer, but you are now a doctor, psychologist, teacher, preacher, and whatever else you wind up needing to be. BLET was just the beginning. The road that lies before you will be even more mentally and physically challenging. There will be more sacrifices that you will have to make,” Coltrain said.

The NC BLET program covers 36 total blocks of instruction including: physical fitness, firearms, law enforcement driving training, laws of arrest, search and seizure, motor vehicle law, techniques of traffic enforcement, patrol techniques, sheriff’s responsibilities, rapid deployment, etc. The course contains the most current law enforcement information available and is filled with practical exercises and an extensive ethics section that is woven throughout the training experience. It takes approximately 16 weeks to complete and concludes with a comprehensive written exam and skills testing. This course of study is mandated by the state for all certified law enforcement officers.