The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) and Grand Valley State University requires applicants to meet the academic criteria below in order to be eligible for consideration.

1. Possess either an Associates or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. There is no specific major requirement. Please contact the academy if you are unsure as to whether the conferring institution is accredited.

OR

2. Be a registered student at GVSU or Baker College and be eligible for graduation with either an Associates or a Bachelor’s degree upon completion of the police academy.

NOTE:

• Declaration or completion of the Criminal Justice major does not guarantee admission to the Police Academy.
• A major in Criminal Justice is not required, however applicants are encouraged to take courses in Criminal Law and Criminal Investigations (GVSU offers CJ 302 & CJ 311) as a foundation for the academy.
• Students considering the Police Academy should take a broadly-based series of social science courses in addition to their major requirements.

All academy attendees will be required to enroll in and complete the following classes during the course of the Basic Police Academy: CJ 415, 416, 417, 418, and 419 (these classes are incorporated into the academy programs and are not separate requirements). Enrollment in these courses will take place during the acceptance process to the academy (do not try to pre-enroll).

Possess a high school diploma or GED and have satisfactorily completed military police training at a federal service school (documented proof required – DD214 / certificate of completion).

All academy attendees will be required to enroll in and complete the following classes during the course of the MP Veteran’s Police Academy: CJ 415 and CJ 416 (these classes are incorporated into the academy programs and are not separate requirements). Enrollment in these courses will take place during the acceptance process to the academy (do not try to pre-enroll).

CJ 415 Law Enforcement, Physical Education, Defensive Tactics and Firearms
A required course for Michigan Law Enforcement Certification. Ninety hours to ensure that basic state requirements are met in physical education, defensive tactics and firearms. Three credits. Offered summer only. Restricted enrollment.

CJ 416 Special Operations and Training
The skills and knowledge essential for the law enforcement officer to function effectively and professionally in the community. The course includes a wide range of subjects including police communications, domestic complaints, and human relations. Required for law enforcement certification. Three credits. Offered summer semester. Restricted enrollment.

CJ 417 Criminal Investigations II
An advanced class in techniques and theories of all aspects of the discovery and preservation of evidence to insure the legal admissibility of such evidence under Michigan law. Required for Law Enforcement Certification. Three credits. Offered summer semester. Restricted enrollment.

CJ 418 Patrol and Traffic Administration and Procedure
Designed to analyze the necessity for and the theory of regulatory laws to protect life and property and to promote theories of safety. Required for Law Enforcement Certification. Three credits. Offered summer semester. Restricted enrollment.

CJ 419 Michigan Criminal Law
A study of the basic criminal statutes of Michigan. Promotes knowledge of the regulations to control criminal behavior and deviance from the norms of society. Required for Law Enforcement Certification. Three credits. Offered summer semester. Restricted Enrollment.