College celebrates graduation of 98th BLET Class — first under new statewide standards

Randolph Community College celebrated the graduation of its 98th Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) class on Wednesday, June 11, in the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium. This cohort marks a historic milestone as the first in North Carolina to graduate under sweeping curriculum reforms that took effect in January 2025.

These new standards represent the most significant overhaul of law enforcement training in the state in 25 years.

“This graduating class did not just walk across the stage — they stepped into the future of policing,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “They have undergone the most rigorous and comprehensive training program this state has ever seen. Their resilience and dedication set the standard for what modern law enforcement should look like.”

In comparison with other BLET programs across the state, RCC’s attrition rate was 9.09% compared to the 25% state average. The overall course average in N.C. was 82.98 with RCC’s posting an 84.15 average with a 100% pass rate on the state exam.

The revised BLET curriculum, implemented statewide in January, extends total training to approximately 868 hours — a 35% increase from the previous 640-hour requirement in place since 2000 — with RCC’s program totaling 880 hours with 12 additional hours for Officer Health & Wellness and Patrol Techniques. In comparison, the national average for basic law enforcement training is 652 hours, according to the Institute for Criminal Justice Training Reform.

Instructional materials have also dramatically expanded, from 2,840 pages to 4,492, reflecting the increased complexity and evolving expectations of today’s law enforcement officers.

The program now spans 21 weeks and is divided into four newly organized modules that place increased emphasis on communication, de-escalation, wellness, and hands-on exercises — replacing a structure that had remained unchanged for decades.

Among the most notable additions:

• Firearms training doubled from 48 to 96 hours,
• Compliance and control techniques expanded from 40 to 64 hours,
• Communication and de-escalation increased from 8 to 24 hours,
• New modules also include time dedicated to ethical problem-solving and driver training.

Some content areas such as constitutional law, first responder training, and crime prevention saw slight reductions in standalone hours, but those hours have been redistributed across integrated practical exercises and simulations.

“We recognize your discipline, your perseverance, and your resilience throughout the class,” RCC BLET Director/Law Enforcement Training Coordinator Richard Thompson said in his closing speech. “I will always remember this class, not just as the first to complete the new curriculum, but also as a class made up of great individuals who learned to adapt and overcome. You are going to experience personal and professional setbacks, but I challenge you to view them as opportunities to grow and proceed forward with a renewed mindset.”

Every student in the 98th class passed the rigorous training requirements—a testament to their hard work and the college’s commitment to quality instruction during this period of significant change.

Randolph Community College is proud to be at the forefront of implementing these changes and setting the bar for excellence in law enforcement education across the state.

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About Randolph Community College: Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com and SmartAsset and second in the nation by SmartAsset, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in-person and online. To register for Fall or Winter 2025, call 336-633-0200 or visit randolph.edu/register. For more information, call 336-633-0200 or visit www.randolph.edu and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.