Basic Correctional Officer (BCO) Academy

To better manage academy enrollment and ensure fairness in the registration process, the MCLETC is implementing the following for all academy classes:

1. Departments should call the MCLETC at (217) 330-9091 or email Commander Walker at swalker@richland.edu to request anticipated enrollment reservations for the next academy class. However, enrollment will only be guaranteed once a completed registration packet has been received and approved by academy staff, by the application deadline.
2. Departments who have hired an officer, deputy, correctional officer or court security officer can provide the name, date of birth, PTB # and date of hire will be placed on the reserved list. If a completed registration packet is not received by the application deadline the department will lose the reserved spot.
3. Departments who have not hired or made conditional offers will be placed on a pending list until such time the name, date of birth, PTB# and date of hire can be provided. Once the appropriate information is obtained by academy staff, the department will be moved from the pending list to the reserved list, as openings are available. If a completed registration packet is not received by the application deadline the department will lose the reserved spot.
4. Application deadline will be 3 weeks prior to the start of the requested Basic Corrections Officer Academy Class.
5. At any time a department is aware that a reserved or pending spot is no longer needed, MCLETC should be contacted as soon as possible.

The 2027 Tuition rates currently have not increased:  

• BLE Tuition: $8,140
• BCO Tuition: $6,380 

Tuition costs (paid by the agencies) cover training, housing and meals. Tuition is currently eligible for reimbursement from ILETSB. 

MCLETC will send ONE INVOICE after graduation which will include tuition, electives, and rentals.  If an agency supplies one full-time Class Advisor, MCLETC will discount the tuition (1-5 Cadets attending the same Academy- $3,190 to be credited for 1 student; 6 or more- $6,380, equivalent to 1 full Cadet tuition).  Agencies requesting 6 or more openings in one Academy Class are required to supply one Class Advisor, unless other arrangements have been pre-approved by the Commander) – effective 07/09/2026.

BCO Class CC26-31 begins September 13.  Graduation is scheduled for November 6, 2026, at 1 PM.

• CC27-32: Sunday, January 10 – Friday, March 5, 2027
  • Completed Registration Packet Deadline: Monday, December 7, 2026
• CC27-33: Sunday, March 21 – Friday, May 14, 2027
  • Completed Registration Packet Deadline: Monday, February 22, 2027
• CC27-34: Sunday, June 6 – Friday, July 30, 2027
  • Completed Registration Packet Deadline: Monday, May 10, 2027
• CC27-35: Sunday, September 12 – Friday, November 5, 2027
  • Completed Registration Packet Deadline: Monday, August 16, 2027