The Southeast Missouri State University Law Enforcement Academy is currently accepting applications, with a deadline of Dec. 5, 2023.
The Law Enforcement Academy at Southeast is a Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) approved provider and is dedicated to training law enforcement professionals for a variety of positions across the field. It was established in 1987 and has trained over 3,000 law enforcement officers since.
“Currently, there are more law enforcement job openings in southeast Missouri, and across the country in fact, than there are people to fill them,” said Bobby Bollinger, director of the Law Enforcement Academy. “We live in one of the safest areas of the country and for that to continue, we need more police officers. More police officers equal safer communities.”
Graduates work at all levels of law enforcement, including in local, county, state, and federals agencies. The Academy is a 19-week program, including options to earn 18 credit hours from the University for either a certificate in Law Enforcement or towards a bachelor’s degree in a four-year program.
“There are over 1,000 learning objectives that cover everything from constitutional law to de-escalation,” Bollinger said. “It is a mixture of hands-on training such as defensive tactics and classroom training such as mental health awareness. Just like working in law enforcement, there is no typical day.”
Graduates have a 100% P.O.S.T. exam pass rate over the last three years.
“Working as a police officer is one of the most rewarding jobs there is,” Bollinger said. “If you find yourself wanting to help your community, there is no better way than working as a police officer. You get to help those in need and take criminals off the streets, making your community a safer place to live and work.”
Applications will be accepted for the Law Enforcement Academy through Dec. 5, 2023. Students can choose the best option for them between the Law Enforcement certificate path or credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree. Applications are complete after applying for admission to Southeast and completing the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. For more information on the application process and the paths, visit the Law Enforcement Academy application page.