Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Earns Five-Year Reaccreditation for Law Enforcement Education Programs
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has received five-year reaccreditation from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, authorizing the College to continue delivering Basic Law Enforcement Training, General Instructor Certification and Speed Measuring Instrument Certification programs through August 2031.
The reaccreditation, formally approved in May 2026, follows a comprehensive review of the College’s curriculum, instructors, facilities, equipment, student records and program operations to ensure Rowan-Cabarrus continues to meet state standards for law enforcement education.
Basic Law Enforcement Training, commonly known as BLET, prepares entry-level students to pursue certification as law enforcement officers in North Carolina. At Rowan-Cabarrus, the BLET program consists of 894 hours of instruction and combines classroom education, practical skills development and scenario-based preparation. Students complete coursework in areas such as criminal and motor vehicle law, arrest, search and seizure, firearms, law enforcement driving, communication, ethics and other skills required for work in the profession. Rowan-Cabarrus serves approximately 80 BLET students each year. Graduates are prepared to pursue certification and employment with municipal, county and state law enforcement agencies.
“Maintaining this accreditation reinforces the College’s commitment to delivering high-quality law enforcement education,” said Rowan-Cabarrus Community College President Dr. Carol S. Spalding. “The depth of this curriculum speaks to the responsibility that comes with preparing someone to serve as a law enforcement officer. Students leave Rowan-Cabarrus with extensive knowledge and practical experience designed to prepare them for the situations they will face while serving their communities.”
The College’s BLET program has achieved a 100% employment rate among students who completed the program and passed the state certification exam since August 2022. During that period, 226 students successfully completed BLET and passed the state exam, and every one of those graduates secured employment with a local law enforcement agency. The achievement demonstrates both the strength of the program and its significant role in preparing professionals to meet public safety needs across the region.
The reaccreditation process included an on-site audit in April 2026 by a field representative from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. The review evaluated instructor qualifications, student documentation, instructional environments, facilities, equipment and program operations.
Evaluators also examined the College’s practical training resources, technology capabilities and partnerships that support instruction. The review confirmed that Rowan-Cabarrus has the facilities, equipment and instructional capacity required to deliver state-approved programs and prepare students for certification.
“Reaccreditation gives our students and law enforcement partners confidence that Rowan-Cabarrus is providing education that meets rigorous state standards,” said Rowan-Cabarrus Vice President of Workforce and Technology Dr. Zack Hubbard. “BLET requires a significant commitment from our students. Across hundreds of hours of classroom and hands-on instruction, they develop the knowledge, judgment and practical skills necessary to enter a demanding profession. Our excellent instructors, staff and public safety partners work together to prepare them for that responsibility.”
Students must pass all required coursework and practical skills assessments, as well as the comprehensive state certification examination.
Partnerships with local law enforcement agencies also play an important role in the program by connecting instruction with the needs and expectations of the profession. Through BLET and its other law enforcement education programs, Rowan-Cabarrus prepares qualified public safety professionals to serve communities across Rowan and Cabarrus counties and throughout North Carolina.
The next Basic Law Enforcement Training class begins Tuesday, January 12, 2027. Those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement can learn more about the program, requirements and enrollment process at rccc.edu/blet.
For more information about Law Enforcement Training programs at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, contact Director of Law Enforcement Training Daniel Harless at daniel.harless@rccc.edu.
