The Missouri Western State University Regional Law Enforcement Academy will offer its next part-time evening academy beginning Aug. 26, and it’s not too late for those considering a law enforcement career to apply.
“The passage of the public safety tax by St. Joseph voters creates new opportunities for law enforcement careers,” said Kip Wilson, interim director of the academy. “Our part-time evening academy gives cadets the chance to get the training they need while continuing to work.”
The St. Joseph Police Department plans to hire 20 additional commissioned police officers over the next few years after voters approved a half-cent public safety sales tax on Aug. 6.
The part-time academy consists of three separate classes over the course of one year. The academy exceeds the required hours for the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Peace Officer Standards and Training program, and when cadets satisfy the academy requirements they are scheduled to take the Missouri POST certification examination.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, be free of physical or mental handicap which would prevent completion of the law enforcement program, be at least 19 years old to attend and 21 years old for a certificate to be awarded, and be free from serious misdemeanor or felony convictions.
The academy also offers a full-time option, with classes meeting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The next full-time academy begins January 13, 2014.
Both the full-time and part-time academies may be used to fulfill partial requirements for both an Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Missouri Western.
For more information, visit wi.missouriwestern.edu/Academy or call 816-271-5843.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.