Who should attend the Lafourche Sheriff’s Regional P.O.S.T. Academy?
Under present law, every “peace officer,” is required to successfully pass the minimum training requirements established by the P.O.S.T. Council within one year of employment. Furthermore, any full-time, P.O.S.T.-certified peace officer hired before January 1, 1986, and who has an “interruption of service” (employed in a non-public law enforcement capacity) in excess of five years, is required to attend a full basic training course at an accredited Training Academy with a minimum of 496 hours. Eligibility questions should be directed to the P.O.S.T. Council staff.

Which courses does the Academy offer?
Our Academy offers the following classes:

  • Level 1 – Basic Peace Officer Academy
  • Level 1 – Transitional Academy (Level 2 to Level 1)
  • Level 2 – Transition Academy (Level 3 to Level 2)
  • Level 3 – Basic Corrections Officer Academy
  • Transitional Academy (Level 2 to Level 1)
  • Refresher Academy

Included in these levels are the following courses of instruction:

  • Weapons Qualifications
  • Patrol Rifle Certification
  • Shotgun Certification
  • Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVOC)
  • Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST)
  • RADAR/ LIDAR certification
  • CPR & First Aid for Adults and Infants
  • Monadnock Defensive Tactics including MEB and PR-24
  • Ground Fighting
  • Chemical Spray Certification
  • Taser Certification
  • Crisis Intervention Training (TBD)
  • ASIST – Suicide Intervention Training (16 hours)
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid
  • ALERRT/ Active Shooter
  • Building Searches

What are the requirements to enter the Academy?
To enter the Academy, you must be a commissioned Peace Officer or a commissioned reserve officer sponsored by the agency head of the agency you are affiliated with.

How much does it cost to attend the Academy?
The cost to attend the Academy is $1,000 for the full session. The cost of a Transition course is $400. A Refresher course is $250. Level 3 Academy is $250.

Can I enroll in the academy without being sponsored by an agency and pay my own way?
No. You must be sponsored by an agency and payment must be made through that agency, not the individual peace officer.

Do I have to supply my own training equipment?
The academy provides most equipment needed for training. Cadets must, however, provide their own duty belt, gun with holster, magazine pouches, belt keeps and a USB drive. Additionally, each cadet will need 1,000 rounds of ammunition for firearms training. LPSO can provide ammo and invoice each respective agency if needed (based on availability). Each cadet will be informed about specific clothing needs once accepted.

Do I need a high school diploma or G.E.D. to attend the Academy?
No. The only requirement is that you are employed by a law enforcement agency.

What are the physical requirements?
Cadets should be aware of the inherent physical dangers associated with some Academy training, specifically weapons certifications and ground fighting. Cadets will also participate nearly daily in physical fitness exercises including running, push-ups and sit-ups. Any potential issues should be brought up with a cadet’s physician and Academy staff before training begins. In participating in the physical fitness program, you are NOT required to meet pass/fail standards for the Academy, but the P.O.S.T. Council mandates that you MUST participate in all phases of the physical fitness program. A grade will be given for physical training which will be tallied as a test score to average together with other scores. Prior to the start of the academy, each applicant should be able to do push-ups, sit-ups and run 300 meters.

Is a medical physical required to attend the academy?
Yes. Along with your application to the academy, your sponsoring agency must also submit a physical conducted within the last six months.

Do you require payment prior to attending the Academy?
No. The sponsoring agency will receive an invoice from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office within the first two weeks of the academy.

What time do classes begin?
Cadets will meet for roll call 15 minutes prior to the start of classes each day for inspection. Academic classes began at 8:00 A.M.

How do I enroll in the academy?
Complete the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM and a member of our staff will be in contact with you.