Michigan Needs More Qualified Police Officers, See if You Have What it Takes
Community members interested in training for a career in law enforcement are encouraged to attend one of several upcoming information sessions about Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Police Officer Training Academy. There is currently a state-wide shortage of certified and qualified police officers. The next training academy, the college's 89th, begins January 27, 2020, with applications being accepted September 9 - October 4.
KALAMAZOO, Mich., Aug. 27, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Community members interested in training for a career in law enforcement are encouraged to attend one of several upcoming information sessions about Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Police Officer Training Academy. There is currently a state-wide shortage of certified and qualified police officers. The next training academy, the college's 89th, begins January 27, 2020, with applications being accepted September 9 - October 5.
At the information sessions, Director of Kalamazoo Valley's Law Enforcement Training Center, Victor Ledbetter, will provide an overview of the 16-week training program. He will review information for pre-service graduates, cost and fee structure, academy rules and regulations as well as Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) curriculum and physical fitness tips.
Information sessions will be held:
Wednesday, September 4 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Wednesday, September 18 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The one-hour sessions will be held at the Law Enforcement Training Center on Kalamazoo Valley's Groves Campus located at 7107 Elm Valley Drive, Kalamazoo, Mich., in the Auditorium, Room A1020.
Additionally, three MCOLES agility tests for entry into the academy will be held September 6, September 27 and October 16 at the college's Texas Township Campus. Space is limited and registration is required. Details about the tests will be provided at the information sessions.
According to Ledbetter, graduates from the Police Officer Training Academy enjoy the highest employment rate in the state. A total of 92 percent of alumni are employed in the field, compared to a statewide average of 69 percent.
The MCOLES website shows more than 100 agencies throughout the state hiring either part-time or full-time officers.
"I would encourage anyone thinking about a rewarding career in law enforcement to come and learn more about our program," Ledbetter said.
The information sessions are free and open to the public but registration is required. Call 269.353.1260 to RSVP.
SOURCE Kalamazoo Valley Community College
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