Chautauqua County Sheriff's Academy Admissions

Basic admission criteria:

• Must have successfully completed high school or earned a GED
• Must be at least twenty (20) years old to be accepted into the program
• Must have no felony convictions
• Must have a valid New York State Operator's License
• Must be able to pass a physical agility pre-test
• Pass an oral interview by Academy Committee
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must also pass all JCC's Admissions criteria
• Residency in New York State for less than a year may incur additional JCC tuition fees

*Please note: there may be additional requirements beyond the above criteria, and the start date is subject to change.

In addition to the basic admission criteria:

We also welcome potential applicants who possess any of the following:

• Any college credits beyond a high school diploma or GED
• Military experience
• Workforce experience outside of law enforcement

The Academy is run through the JCC Workforce Development program. This is primarily a self-funded program where applicants are responsible for securing their own funding to attend the Academy. Federal student loans and military funding do not qualify at this time.

We recommend applicants begin researching private student loan options (if necessary) as soon as they submit a pre-screen.

Private student loan: Research and apply for a private a loan option.

• School code: 002869 (Jamestown Community College)
• Loan period: January 4, 2027 – August 19, 2027
• Maximum loan amount: $8,648
• Loans exceeding program costs will result in a refund after posting to the account.

Additional funding options: We encourage you to explore scholarship opportunities. Deadlines vary, so apply early. Helpful resources include:

• Chautauqua Region Community Foundation
• Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation

The full tuition of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Academy is payable by the first class. In addition, JCC has payment plan options.

Estimated program cost: $7,000

• Tuition: $4,800 (includes tuition, technology, ID, learning network, lab)
• Fees (approximate): $2,200 (clothing, range, crime scene supplies, equipment fee, EMS certificate, books)

Additional fees for items required as prerequisites for entry into program are estimated:

• Comprehensive medical exam: $291
• Psychological testing: $275
• Pistol permit/fingerprinting*: $132
• Uniforms: $250
• Sheriff’s office fee: $700

*For those applicants that do not hold a Chautauqua/Cattaraugus pistol permit.

Starting in 2027, Academies could start in January and late May/early June, depending on needs. Check with the Sheriff’s Academy for when the next Academy session is set to begin.

• Classroom instruction: Recruits attend classroom-based training for 20 weeks, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for a total of 708 instructional hours.
• Field training: Upon successful completion of the classroom portion, recruits must complete 160 hours of supervised field training with their sponsoring agency.

The Academy is taught by more than 60 instructors, all of whom are active-duty law enforcement officers with advanced certifications in their respective areas of expertise. Coursework includes, but is not limited to:

• Firearms/Range Training
• Law Enforcement Academy I & II
• Penal Law and Criminal Procedure Law
• Use of Force
• Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
• Law Enforcement Practicum (Field Training)
• Physical Education for Law Enforcement Officers
• Defensive Tactics for Law Enforcement
• Report Writing

Completion of the Sheriff’s Academy does not guarantee continued employment.