Law enforcement agencies are hiring, encourage candidates to attend UBTech’s POST Academy
Law enforcement officials in Duchesne and Uintah counties are looking for qualified applicants to fill open positions in their departments. They remind those interested that training for a career in law enforcement is available through Uintah Basin Technical College.
Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Satellite Academy at UBTech will soon begin its 12th session at the Roosevelt campus.
UBTech is one of nine locations in Utah that offer the POST Academy. Officers who complete and gain certification from UBTech are certified statewide.
Duchesne County Sherriff Travis Tucker, is the director of the POST Satellite Academy at UBTech.
“In the last 25 years that I’ve been in law enforcement, I have never seen us at full capacity. There is always a need and we are always taking applications,” said Tucker. “The Duchesne County Jail needs two more officers and there’s another two needed on patrol.”
Uintah County Sherriff Steve Labrum said his department currently has eight job openings at the Uintah County Jail.
“There’s not only a need in the Uintah Basin, but also across the state,” Tucker said, “compared to last year, Utah is down 600 officers.”
Last year, 100 percent of the graduating class from the Law Enforcement Officer program either gained employment or pursued other educational training.
The UBTech POST Satellite Academy offers three programs: Special Function Officer (SFO), Basic Correction Officer (BCO) and Law Enforcement Officer (LEO). Each certificate provides the cadet with the training for a specific peace officer function.
The POST Satellite Academy has the participation and support of all local and state law enforcement agencies, including the Utah Highway Patrol, Department of Corrections, Vernal City, Roosevelt City, Naples City, Duchesne County and Uintah County.
“We have instructors from all of the agencies. Everyone is invested in it and in need of it,” Tucker said.
“Having UBTech in our communities and their foresight to bring this education to our community, is another great resource to develop a career without leaving home,” said Labrum.
The SFO program begins in October with the LEO completing in May. In the Uintah Basin, graduates earn about $20 an hour starting wage. Those interested are encouraged to plan ahead and start POST testing soon.
Scholarships are available for Duchesne and Uintah County residents. Start the enrollment process by calling 435.722.6900 or visit ubtech.edu for more information.
