Basic Law Enforcement Training
Course Description
The 16-week, 640-hour basic law enforcement course (BLE) exceeds the requirements set by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board for all new police officers in the State of Illinois.
This high-quality resident program utilizes current principles of adult learning to prepare students for classes, allowing us to optimize performance-based, hands-on instructional methods. Community policing values are integrated throughout the course with emphasis on the service functions that are so much a part of today’s law enforcement mission.
Discipline and structure prepare young recruits to meet the challenges of today’s complex policing environment. A regimented physical training program provides challenges that prepare officers for the demands on the street. Officers are expected to be in either an Institute uniform or their department uniform each day. We set high expectations, demand performance, and reward excellence.
PTI’s firearms and control tactics programs are nationally recognized for excellence. Drivers training and practical exercises provide recruit officers with the knowledge and skills to “hit the ground running.” Innovative communication techniques provide officers with the best communication skills training offered anywhere in the country.
ENROLLMENT:- All courses have a limited number of enrollments, so register early to ensure a spot in the class. Appointment papers must be received by PTI to confirm registration for Basic Law Enforcement courses. Registration may be made only by departmental personnel. Students may not enroll themselves.
Training Charges
Resident: $8,177
Commuter: N/A
All 2025 BLE classes are now full, but 2026 waitlists are open. Please email Rebecca Roberts (rmr87@illinois.edu) to get on the 2025 waitlist.
| Course Dates | Course Number |
| 01/05/25 - 04/24/25 (class is full, waitlist is open) | #25-01 |
| 05/04/25 - 08/21/25 (class is full, waitlist is open) | #25-02 |
| 09/02/25 - 12/18/25 (class is full, waitlist is open) | #25-03 |
Electives
The Police Training Institute has integrated seven certification programs into the BLE experience. Two are incorporated in the basic training and five are offered as electives. These courses offer additional training beyond that provided in the 640-hour basic curriculum. They are generally offered in the evening following regularly scheduled classes. The courses are:
INCLUDED
OC Spray – A classroom presentation includes the effects and decontamination of OC use, use of force related to OC use, and movement and spraying of subjects using inert OC. Officers will be sprayed and then will have to accomplish several tasks, including weapon retention, defensive/control tactics, and firing at a target using a laser weapon.
Baton Certification – Impact weapon certification is incorporated into the Control Tactics portion of the BLE. Proper use and techniques are taught. The session culminates with situational decision-making drills.
OPTIONAL
The Police Training Institutes goal is to remain proactive in finding solutions to the most pressing issues involving law enforcement. The following optional classes are beneficial for those interested in further steps toward police reform in the 21st century. The following courses, which relate to police reform, are free of charge:
Patrol Rifle Operator Course – PTI is offering one session of the Patrol Rifle Operator course during each BLE. Recruit officers who take advantage of this option will stay in class until 10 p.m. Friday of week 13 and then be in class that Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. They will be free to travel home after class on Saturday (if they choose to). This additional course (along with what they already receive in BL E) will certify them in the 24-hour Patrol Rifle Course. PTI will provide the weapon . Cost is $464, PTI will be providing meals and ammunition for this course. Enrollment in the Basic Patrol Rifle Course will be limited to the first 36 recruits who register. This decision is aimed at ensuring the highest quality of training by maintaining an optimal instructor-to-recruit ratio.
Taser Certification – The 6-hour Taser certification course is offered one evening during the basic program. Officers learn the proper use of the Taser and how it can be integrated in their use of force. This course is delivered by a Taser certified instructor. At the end of the training, officers will receive a certificate of training in the X26 and X26-P. A 5-second exposure from the Taser is voluntary. The cost for this training is $300
Juvenile Specialist Certification – In cooperation with North East Multi-Regional Training (MTU3), PTI offers a web-based program that prepares students to take the State of Illinois Juvenile Officer Certification exam the last week of the Basic program. The complete curriculum of the 40-hour course is web-based. Students can work on the program in their free time while attending PTI. The final certification test is at the end of the BLE. Prior to the recruit’s arrival at PTI, please contact Terri Hancock at NEMRT: 630-896-8860 ext. 102 or email terri@nemrt.com
Less than Full Access LEADS/IWIN Certification – Students in the BLE course are able and encouraged to use their laptops provided by PTI to complete the LEADS instruction and certification exam. Accomplishing this as part of the basic course puts them in a better position to contribute right away when they return to the agency. As these courses are posted on the web, there are no fees assessed to have officers complete these courses.
NIMS Compliance Certification (IS-100LE/IS-700/IS-200) – these computer-based training programs are offered by FEMA, and jurisdictions receiving federal emergency preparedness grants are required to have their personnel certified. No special user ID or passwords are needed. Officers can complete this training using personal, department, or PTI computers. PTI will monitor your officer’s completion of these courses and will send certificate to agency at completion of BLE. There are no fees to access these training programs.
Brill Law Enforcement Action in Democracy (LEAD) Training - The Brill Law Enforcement Action in Democracy (LEAD) training is a program designed by the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, where Illinois law enforcement officers participate in a 4- hour instructor led presentation, exploring the meaning and importance of democracy and law enforcement through the lens of the Holocaust. The course works with law enforcement officials providing them with the training and tools necessary for understanding abuses of authority, responding to hate crimes and bias, and balancing the rights of individuals with societal protection. LEAD is a proven program that impacts how law enforcement approaches their jobs with empathy, as well as their understanding of the importance of moral and ethical standards in decision making. There is no cost to attend this training.
Note: The Basic Law Enforcement Course and the Basic Correctional Officer are approved for Veterans’ Educational Benefits. Forms will be handed out at the beginning of your class.