Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy Overview
CVTC’s Law Enforcement Academy is designed for potential law enforcement officers who need or want to meet Wisconsin certification requirements. You can earn a technical diploma in 18 weeks. At CVTC preparatory law enforcement officer training is offered full-time over eighteen weeks (720 hours).
You may be considered for admission to the Academy if you:
- Are a full or part-time law enforcement officer
- Have graduated from CVTC’s Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement associate degree program or
- Have earned at least 60 college credits or the equivalent
The 720-hour training program is competency-based and meets the criteria set by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Bureau of Training and Standards and the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board. The criminal justice courses include lectures, multimedia presentations, interactive group discussions, hands-on instruction, and field exercises.
There are three phases for the Law Enforcement 720 Academy:
Phase I: Introduction and Non-Emergency Response
Phase II: Emergency Response
Phase III: Investigations
Past students say the hands-on training is very realistic and they learned something new every day.
Save the Date
Earn credit for prior learning! Do you have previous educational or work experience in the field? You could be eligible to receive credit for prior learning.
Explore This Program
Just the Facts
Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy
22 Credit Technical Diploma
Program Length
18 Weeks
Delivery Method
Face-to-Face
Program Location
Eau Claire
Start Months
August, January, May
Next Start Date
August 25, 2025
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
Term 1
$ 4,105
Materials
$ 794
License, Certificate, or Credential
$ 422
What are estimated program costs? Estimated Total: $5,321
Career Opportunities
Police Officer
Law Enforcement Officer
Patrol Deputy
Deputy Sheriff
Patrol Officer
Youth Counselor/Correctional Officer
Graduate Employers
Eau Claire Police Department
St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office
Chippewa Falls Police Department
Dunn County Sheriff's Office
Durand Police Department
Program Outcomes
CVTC graduates are ready for the workforce. Each year, we send our graduates the Graduate Follow-Up Survey asking several questions related to employment. Here are the program outcomes and job data.
// Program Scorecard$64K Yearly Salary
Our recent Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy graduates reported an average starting salary of $63,718.
100% Employed
100% of our recent Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy graduates got a job in the industry.
142 Regional Jobs
There are 142 job openings in the CVTC district for the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy industry.
Transfer
Credits to Other Institutions
Should you choose to continue your education after you leave CVTC, we have agreements in place with several institutions to ensure an easy transfer.
Program Courses
These are a few of the courses you will take in this program. Courses and the recommended sequence change from year to year; once you are enrolled in a program at CVTC you will be given a recommended course sequence that outlines what courses you should take and the order in which to take them.
You may search for available courses. If you are ever unsure of what courses to take, talk to your academic advisor. If you are looking for course information for previous years, check out our past catalogs.
Here are a few of the courses you can take in the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy program.
Sample Courses
Tactical Skills
Students will learn about the use of force by Wisconsin officers including specific techniques for intervention covered in the Wisconsin system of Defense and Arrest tactics, as well as weapon holding skills and how to care for and maintain handguns.
Patrol Procedures
Learn the steps taken as first-in officer to stabilize a complex scene, investigate traffic accidents, take appropriate enforcement actions, and prepare reports.
Investigations
Understand the techniques and procedures necessary to interview or interrogate adult and juvenile witnesses, suspects, and victims.
Request More Information
Please provide your contact information and an Admissions Advisor will get back to you ASAP with more information about this program.
We will never share or sell your information outside of CVTC. We may, on occasion, contact you regarding relevant services, events, and materials. You may opt out at any time. View our privacy policy to understand how we collect and use your information.
Your future is waiting…Are you ready to get started?
Apply NowStudent Testimonial
The LE academy went above and beyond to surpass my expectations. Despite my decision for a career change later, the academy prepared me fully for entering law enforcement. I enjoyed my classes so much that I have decided to go back to CVTC to obtain my Firemedic Associates Degree.
Channing
Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy Graduate
A Program You Can Trust
Program Accreditation
The Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Visit accreditation website.
Student Learning Outcomes
A Student Learning Outcome refers to the specific skills, knowledge, or abilities that students are expected to demonstrate upon successful completion of an academic program or degree.
Students will:
- Demonstrate professional code of conduct
- Think critically
- Manage emergencies
- Communicate effectively
- Demonstrate professionalism
- Perform basic and critical response at incident site
- Conduct investigations
- Interact with others
- Apply DAAT (Defensive and Arrest Tactics) Techniques
- Demonstrate firearm skills
- *Demonstrate tactical skills [applies to Certification Track only]
- Demonstrate the proper procedures for making an approach vehicle contact
- Examine the fundamentals of interviews and interrogations
- Apply appropriate strategies to locate, handle, and package evidentiary items
- Write reports
- Demonstrate basic patrol and emergency driving
- Identify requirements that pertain to search warrants
- Issue traffic citations, ranging from warnings to arrest
Additional Admissions Resources
Admission Requirements
Each program requires specific requirements a student must meet to be considered for admissions to this program.
// View Admission RequirementsAdvising Tips
We have compiled helpful tips and general information for students in this program.
// View Advising Tips