Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy

30-504-1 Technical Diploma (520-hour)
Campus: Rice Lake

Communicator. Critical Thinker. Problem Solver.

Interested in a policing career in Wisconsin? Your college education will help. A degree shows you are a critical thinker, problem solver, communicator, and have the tenacity to finish a job. To become a sworn officer or agent in Wisconsin, you need something more than a degree. You need academy training. To become eligible to work as an officer in the State of Wisconsin, you must have basic policing skills. The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s (WisDOJ) Law Enforcement Standards Board has established criteria. Admission is restricted to those who qualify under WisDOJ administrative rules. Upon completing the 520-hour academy, you become certifiable for a period of two years from the date of completion.

Work as an officer requires integrity. Candidates for the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy must undergo criminal history and traffic record checks and may be required to submit fingerprints and do drug screening. All candidates will be asked to participate in a personal screening interview. See www.wilenet.org for additional information from the Law Enforcement Standards Board.

Admission Requirements

Students in this program must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have completed 60 or more college credits (subject to waiver)
• Be a United States citizen (unless employed by a Wisconsin state agency, i.e., Wisconsin State Patrol, Capitol Police, DNR, etc.)
• Pass a physical exam
• Submit Criminal History Record Check fee
• Have acceptable results based on the Wisconsin Criminal History Single Name Record Request - an unpardoned felony conviction, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence conviction, or juvenile adjudication will prohibit a student from attending the unified tactics portion of training and will prohibit employment as a law enforcement officer
• Possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license or other such valid operator's permit recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as authorizing operation of a motor vehicle
• Pass an oral interview with law enforcement panel

Professional. Unbiased. Observant.

As you prepare for your career, you should strive to reach a comfort level in the following courses or skills:

• Grammar/Business English
• Speech
• Basic Math/Algebra
• Economics
• Business Law
• Psychology
• Health/First Aid
• Physical Education

Virtual Realities

WITC's simulation programs provide the next best thing to actual experience: opportunities to sharpen skills in [almost] real life settings. Read more.

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy graduates to be able to perform diverse job functions including:

• Describe basic legal principles
• Report hazards to public safety
• Respond to emergencies
• Provide first aid to the injured
• Investigate the results and causes of crimes and crashes
• Direct traffic
• Warn, arrest, and issue citations
• Write and file activity reports
• Operate emergency vehicles
• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Practice behavioral and lifestyle choices which enhance physical and mental fitness
• Model awareness and a respect for cultural diversity

Program Costs

View more information on program and costs.