FLETC pauses training because of COVID-19 outbreak

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GLYNCO, Ga. – FLETC -- the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers -- is temporarily suspending training operations at the Training Delivery Point in Glynco, Georgia, because of a spike in COVID-19 cases among students, the Department of Homeland Security announced Friday.

The suspension began Friday.

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The release announcing the suspension said FLETC follows CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including quarantine and isolation requirements.

Those procedures mean an uptick in cases has caused constraints on FLETC’s ability to safely provide meals and lodging for students.

“In the interest of the health and safety of FLETC staff, students, and contractors, and the surrounding Glynn County community, FLETC is temporarily pausing training and asking students to return to their duty stations,” the release said.

Students scheduled to graduate through May 27 and who are in classes not currently paused due to quarantine and isolation requirements, will continue training through graduation with increased COVID-19 safety protocols in place, the release said.

FLETC said it has had few interruptions in operations during the pandemic and has hosted numerous vaccination events in partnership with the Coastal Health District of Georgia.

“Today’s decision to temporarily pause training reflects FLETC’s continued commitment to practicing the highest standards of public health and returning to mission execution quickly,” the release said.

“FLETC is the only institution in the U.S. that has the capability and capacity to train the new federal officers that will replace the thousands of officers that leave federal service in a typical year,” FLETC Director Thomas J. Walters said. “We understand the critical nature of our mission, however, the safety of our students, staff, and the people of the communities in which we operate is paramount. Our goal is to resume operations as soon possible.”


About the Author:

A Jacksonville native and proud University of North Florida alum, Francine Frazier has been with News4Jax since 2014 after spending nine years at The Florida Times-Union.