Higher Standards. More Training. Better Officers.
The Grand Valley State University Police Academy educates and trains police recruits so they graduate with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to begin a successful career in law enforcement. Grand Valley is known as a leader in the state for police academy training and has been setting the bar for law enforcement for over 40 years.
Whether you are a current GVSU student or pursuing a degree from another institution, Grand Valley's Police Academy is your next step to a successful career in law enforcement.
And there are now two sessions to choose from- Summer (May-August) and Fall (August-December)
ARE YOU A MILITARY POLICE VETERAN?
If so, Grand Valley offers an 8-week police academy for military police veterans like you.
Summer and Fall Sessions Available
Summer Session
May-August
Application due January 13, 2025
Fall Session
August-December
Application due April 25, 2025
“The expectations and structure of the GVSU Police Academy are amongst the best in the state. Expect to be challenged, but succeed in the challenge and reap the rewards of being a Grand Valley State Police Academy graduate.”
—
- Chad Coulson, Recruit Commander, Class of 2016
17-Week Program
(8-Week Accelerated Program for Military Police Veterans)
High Success and Job Placement Rates
40+ Years of Law Enforcement Experience and Tradition
Why Choose Grand Valley's Academy?
An established criminal justice leader since 1974.
The GVSU Police Academy has trained students from all academic disciplines to become qualified, ethical, and competent law enforcement candidates for nearly 50 years and continually sets the bar for law-enforcement education.
More training to prepare you for a successful career in law enforcement.
MCOLES requires 615 hours of mandatory curriculum. Grand Valley goes above and beyond, offering 669 hours of curriculum, with contemporary topics ranging from obtaining employment to unbiased policing and decision making. All of which can immediately be applied to real-world scenarios. Visit this page to see a sample schedule.
High completion and employment rates.
Grand Valley's cadets are better trained and have the percentages to prove it.
- 97% program completion rate*
- 99% licensing exam pass rate*
- 95.4% employment rate**
*5-year average (2016-2020) **5-year average (2015-2019, 2020 data not avl.)
Faculty who are law enforcement experts.
The vast majority of the instruction comes from local law-enforcement officers with a wealth of knowledge and years of experience. The academy is rigorous but your instructors and support staff will be there to support you from the time you enter to the time you graduate. This kind of intimate support is what GVSU is known for and it applies to the Academy as well.
An accelerated 8-week program for military police veterans.
The GVSU Police Academy offers an accelerated, 8-week, basic military police training program for qualifying MP veterans interested in transitioning to civilian policing. This unique program:
- Is taught by a faculty base that is 98% active or former law enforcement and military
- Has a program completion rate of 100%*
- Has a licensing exam pass rate of 100%*
- Has an employment rate of 90%**
*5-year average (2013-2016, 2020) **4-year average (2013-2016, 2020 data not avl.)
Success Stories
Grand Rapids City Police Officer Blake Walton (2019) talks about his experience in the GVSU Academy.
Sergeant Joy Matthews (2006) of the Kent County Sheriff's Department talks about her GVSU Police Academy experience.
Grand Rapids City Police Officer Juan Escamilla (2020) talks about his academy experience.
Grand Rapids City Police Officer Jesse Flores (2019) talks about his academy experience.
Let's Get Started
Applications available for 2025 Summer and Fall Police Academies
Grand Valley's Police Academy will be holding two 17-week sessions in the Summer and Fall of 2025 (for the Basic Academy) and one 8-week session in the Summer (for the MP Veterans Academy).
Summer Academy applications due on January 13, 2025
Fall Academy applications due on April 25, 2025
Summer Basic Academy Application Fall Basic Academy Application MP Veterans Academy Application Estimated Expenses