Interested in a Career in Law Enforcement? See if You Have What it Takes

Want to be part of the nationally recognized Kalamazoo Valley Community College Police Officer Training Academy? The next 16-week academy begins August 23, with applications being accepted beginning April 5. The application deadline is May 28.

Community members interested in applying for the academy are highly encouraged to attend one of several upcoming information sessions. Information sessions are scheduled for:

Wednesday, March 10 at 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Wednesday, March 17 at 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Wednesday, March 24 at 10 a.m. & 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. Face coverings must be worn and strict COVID-19 safety protocols followed.

Director of Kalamazoo Valley’s Law Enforcement Training Center Victor Ledbetter, whose efforts in diversity training have received both local and national recognition, will provide an overview of the training program, including cost and fee structure, academy rules and regulations as well as the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES), curriculum and physical fitness tips. MCOLES agility tests will be given March 19, March 26, April 9 and April 23. Due to COVID-19, space is limited.

According to Ledbetter, graduates from the 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.

“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. There is a fee associated with MCOLES testing and registration is also required. Email Kenyatta Herrion at kherrion@kvcc.edu for more information and to secure a spot.