(1) An applicant to attend MLEA basic programs must be employed by a law enforcement or public safety agency within the state of Montana as a peace officer, a reserve officer, or public safety officer. For purposes of this rule:

(a) a peace officer is defined by 7-32-303(1), 61-10-154(5), and 61-12-201, MCA;

(b) a reserve officer is defined by 7-32-201(5), MCA; and

(c) a public safety officer shall mean the following (which are defined in 7-4-2901, 7-4-2904, 7-4-2905, 7-31-203, 41-5-1701 through 41-5-1706, 44-4-302 through 44-4-305, and 46-23-1003 through 46-23-1005, MCA):

(i) a detention officer;

(ii) a corrections officer;

(iii) a juvenile detention officer;

(iv) a juvenile corrections officer;

(v) a public safety communications officer;

(vi) a detention center administrator;

(vii) a juvenile probation officer;

(viii) a juvenile parole officer;

(ix) an adult probation and parole officer;

(x) a misdemeanor probation officer;

(xi) county coroner; or

(xii) deputy county coroner.

(2) Each law enforcement officer basic course applicant shall first be required to pass a physical fitness test developed by the department. An applicant who has passed the test shall be accepted on a first come, first served basis. If the specific course roster that an applicant applies to attend has been filled, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list for that course and also placed on the roster for the next available course. To meet statewide needs, the academy administrator may adjust the placement of applicants to certain course rosters.

(3) Reserve officers, peace officers, or public safety officers who apply to attend basic courses must meet the qualifications and requirements for preservice applicants.