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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.

Career Opportunities

Correctional Officer

Deputy

Deputy Sheriff

Patrol Officer

Police Officer

School Resource Officer

Graduate Employers

Chippewa Falls Police Department

City of River Falls Police Department

Clark County Sheriff's Office

Eau Claire Police Department

Mondovi Police Department

UW-Eau Claire Police Department

Just the Facts

Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy
22 Credit Technical Diploma

Length of Program //
18 Weeks

Delivery Method //

Program Location //
Eau Claire

Program Location //
August, January, and May

Start Months //
August, January, and May

Start Dates //
August, January, and May

 

Financial Aid Eligible

 

Non-Traditional Occupation

Estimated Program Cost 

Term 1

$

5,114

Books

$

81

 Estimated Total: $5,195

  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 your options today!

Program Courses

These are a few of the courses you can take in the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy program.

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.

Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy Outcomes

CVTC graduates are ready for the workforce. Each year, we send our graduates the Graduate Follow-Up Survey asking where they are working, whether it is in their degree field, and several other questions related to employment. Below are the program outcomes and job data.

// Program Outcomes
 

100%
Employed

100% of our recent Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy graduates got a job in the industry.

 

$56K
Yearly Salary

Our recent Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy graduates reported an average starting salary of $55,845.

 

130
Regional Jobs

There are 130 job openings in the CVTC district for the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy industry.

 

Transfer
Credits to Other Institutions

Transfer your CVTC credits to another institution to continue your education. Explore transfer agreements.

Focus On Student Success

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

Related Programs & Certificates

Whether you're looking to continue your learning to another program or to gain continuing education credit, CVTC offers a variety of learning opportunities for students.
 

Degrees & Diplomas

Criminal Justice, Associate Degree

FireMedic, Associate Degree

Paramedic Technician, Associate Degree

Continue Your Learning

CVTC can help you achieve your learning goals whether you are looking to advance your career or enrich your personal life.

// Explore Continuing Ed Opportunities

  Unsure of which program you'd like to go into? Learn more about our Career Assessment to help narrow down your options.

A Program You Can Trust

Program Accreditation

Wisconsin Department of Justice Logo

The Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Visit accreditation website.