Police Academy (CTPA)

police trainees at a table

Certificate

This certificate program is mandatory for anyone seeking law enforcement licensing in the State of Michigan. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) and the WCC Police Academy Advisory Committee have created the course content. You will learn the relevant law necessary to function effectively in the field, as well as effective communication techniques. You will practice necessary skills such as self defense, pursuit driving and firearm use and safety. Graduates of the WCC police academy will have the basic qualifications required by the state to be hired by a Michigan police department or sheriff's department.

This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.

"We want local talent to work in the Sheriff's Office," Jerry Clayton

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Admission Requirements

Students must have a minimum of 41 college credits prior to admission to the Police Academy.

Students are admitted to the program based on the priorities established by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). Prospective students should review the "Selection and Employment Standards for Michigan Law Enforcement Officers" on the MCOLES website: mi.gov/mcoles. MCOLES pre-enrollment is a corequisite of this course.

In order to qualify for entry, applicants must:

  • Pass the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) for employment (check the MCOLES website for further information)
  • Pass both the MCOLES written and physical pre-enrollment tests
  • Pass the MCOLES drug testing standards (administered by the academy)

Applicants must also:

  • Be eligible to receive a degree upon completion of the academy or enter the academy with either a two-or four-year degree
  • Have a 2.0 GPA or better
  • Have a G.E.D. or high school diploma
  • Pass a medical physical examination
  • Pass a psychological examination
  • Pass a drug test
  • Pass a background check

Award of Excellence

Award of Excellence sealThe Police Academy operated at Washtenaw Community College is the first in the United States to achieve accreditation and the first in the world to receive an "Award of Excellence" from The International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), an international non-profit organization dedicated to transforming policing by promoting excellence in training and professional standards. IADLEST, which has accredited academies in Europe and the Middle East, had never previously awarded a score over 92% — the minimum requirement necessary for its Award of Excellence status. The WCC Police Academy achieved accreditation with a weighted score of 109.2% across 52 standards over a demanding, three-year evaluation process.

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Ongoing Requirements

The police academy is structured as an adult learning experience, and will require significant self-discipline on the part of the student. Teamwork is required. Just as sworn law enforcement officers operate under a code of honor which requires them to be above reproach in ethics and behavior, students will also be held to this same standard. The WCC Student Handbook, the MCOLES Policy and Procedure Manual, and the WCC Police Academy Daily Rules and Regulations will govern student conduct.

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2024-2025 Academic Requirements

The successful completion of this program is mandatory for anyone seeking law enforcement licensing in the State of Michigan. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) and the WCC Police Academy Advisory Committee have created the course content. The WCC Student Handbook, the MCOLES Policy and Procedure Manual, and the WCC Police Academy Daily Rules and Regulations will govern student conduct. The police academy is structured as an adult learning experience, and will require significant self-discipline on the part of the student. Teamwork is required. Just as sworn law enforcement officers operate under a code of honor which requires them to be above reproach in ethics and behavior, students will also be held to this same standard. MCOLES pre-enrollment is a corequisite of this course. Prospective students should review the "Selection and Employment Standards for Michigan Law Enforcement Officers" on the MCOLES Web site: http://mi.gov/mcoles

This is a high demand, high skill and high wage program, as defined by the Michigan Community College Network.

Students must have a minimum of 45 college credits prior to admission to the Police Academy. Students are admitted to the program based on the priorities established by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES).

Division
Adv Tech/Public Serv Careers
Department
Public Services Careers Dept
Advisors
Kevin Lindsey
Haley Slade
Niki Lee
Janine Militello
Major/Area Requirements
Class Title Minimum Credits
CJT 229A   Law Enforcement Training Part I 12
CJT 229B   Law Enforcement Training Part II 7
Total 19

Total Credits Required
19