Haywood Community College Adds New Vehicles to Enhance Student Learning
When Haywood Community College’s next Basic Law Enforcement Training students begin
their training, they will have an advantage by learning in the newest vehicles used
in the field today. The College recently purchased 2021 Dodge Charger police package
to replace very outdated vehicles.
HCC First Responder students will utilize a 2021 F250 diesel truck to pull a rope
trailer for high-angle rope training. Haywood County frequently receives calls for
assistance for wilderness search and rescue due to mountainous and remote locations
of our area.
When Haywood Community College’s next Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) students begin their training, they will have an advantage by learning in the newest vehicles used in the field today. The College recently purchased 2021 Dodge Chargers with the police package to replace outdated vehicles.
“These vehicles are replacing older Dodge Chargers and Crown Victorias,” explains Fred Clontz, HCC’s BLET Coordinator. “The all-wheel-drive packages were chosen as most law enforcement agencies are trending toward this. The handling characteristics differ greatly from rear-wheel drive vehicles.”
In addition, the First Responder students will utilize a 2021 F250 diesel truck to pull a rope trailer for high-angle rope training. “Haywood County frequently receives calls for assistance for wilderness search and rescue due to the mountainous and remote locations of the parks of our area,” says Dee Massey, HCC Fire Services and Customized Training Coordinator. “Having resources available will help those learning to answer these calls be more effective when the high angle calls and searches for lost citizens come in. It will also help students complete state certification in this subject.”
The BLET course is designed to equip students with the basic skills, knowledge and ability to function as a law enforcement officer in the State of North Carolina. This class is a pre-requisite for Law Enforcement Officer Certification in the state. The course is composed of blocks of instruction with a state-specified minimum number of hours set for each of the blocks. The total number of course hours required for this certification is set by the NC Criminal Justice Commission.
To successfully complete the BLET program, cadets must pass the Police Officer’s Physical Abilities Test. This is an obstacle/agility course in which participants must complete a variety of tasks, such as carrying dead weight, climbing stairs, push-ups and sit-ups in a timed period. After this, students are eligible to take a four-hour state examination. Upon successful completion of the exam, cadets must be sworn in with an agency within 12 months or lose their certification.
According to NCCareers.org, there are very strong opportunities for annual openings in this field. Ideal candidates must be strong decision-makers and enjoy working with people.
Haywood Community College’s next BLET course will be a night offering beginning September 28. Please contact Fred Clontz at 828-565-4548 to set up an appointment.