Physical Fitness

Reading Requirements

Licensing Standards

Ethical Requirements

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) requires potential recruits to pass a Pre-Enrollment Physical Fitness Test. Physical fitness standards are based on age and gender. These standards and specific information regarding format, cost, and registration are available on the MCOLES website. Additionally, the MCOLES web page describes the individual events in detail and provides guidelines to assist you in preparing for each event. Physical fitness testing must be completed within 180 days prior to the start date of the academy session for which you are applying.

Note: Grand Valley State University is not a physical fitness testing site.

How to Complete Each Event Video  

BASIC POLICE ACADEMY

 Applicants must pass the “Entrance” level Physical Fitness Standards noted below during the application process.

MILITARY POLICE VETERAN'S ACADEMY

Applicants must pass the “Exit” level Physical Fitness Standards noted below during the application process.

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) requires potential recruits to pass a Pre-Enrollment Reading & Writing Test proctored via computer. Specific information regarding format, cost, and registration is available on the MCOLES website.

Grand Valley State University is a reading and writing testing site, however you must register through the MCOLES website.

Reading and Writing Test Information

The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) has very specific employment standards for police officers in the State of Michigan. These standards can be found on the MCOLES website. By law, no person shall be employed as a law enforcement officer unless they fully comply with these standards. Special attention should be given to the vision, hearing, and overall medical standards, as they must be met within 180 days prior to the start date of the academy session for which you are applying. All medical exams must be documented on official MCOLES medical forms which are provided in the academy application packet.

Visit the MCOLES Website

The Police Academy at Grand Valley State University prides itself on high ethical standards. As a result, comprehensive background investigations are conducted on all potential recruits. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) prohibits individuals with felony convictions from entering into any police academy in the State of Michigan. Moreover, potential recruits must possess "good moral character." This is determined on a case-by-case basis and includes an inquiry into the applicant's:

• Personal traits and integrity
• School and employment records
• Home environment
• Arrests and expunged convictions
• Personal protection orders
• All previous law violations (speeding tickets and traffic offenses, shoplifting, minor in possession, assault, disorderly conduct, etc.)

Visit the MCOLES Website

As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the constitutional rights of all to liberty; equality and justice.

I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to my agency or me. I will maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and professional life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret, unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.

I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, political beliefs, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and the relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.

I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will never engage in acts of corruption or bribery, nor will I condone such acts by other police officers. I will cooperate with all legally authorized agencies and their representatives in the pursuit of justice.

I know that I alone am responsible for my own standard of professional performance and will take every reasonable opportunity to enhance and improve my level of knowledge and competence. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself to my chosen profession - law enforcement.