Kirtland Criminal Justice and Police Academy: Excellence At-a-Glance
“Protect and Serve”
Starts with a calling to those who are willing to meet the challenge!
Not everyone can become a law enforcement officer. Law enforcement is a calling for those who are willing to serve their communities. In fact, it takes a special combination of sacrifice, strength, intelligence, and compassion to be the kind of community protector that society demands.
Those in the law enforcement career field are charged with creating safety and security for people and places. They must be able to selflessly step up when others step back. They must take charge of situations when others falter. They must exemplify fairness, justness, and humility.
Kirtland recognizes that few occupations face greater challenges. That’s exactly why our program pushes students to strengthen both physical and mental skills. Our graduates emerge to capably manage immense pressure, critically think quickly on their feet, and practice integrity and empathy to do the right thing.
Why Law Enforcement? Exciting Work and Rewarding Career.
It’s hard work. But it’s a career that you can be proud of.
It’s an honorable job because you can make a difference every day by serving your community with strength and caring for those that need your help.
It’s also a rewarding career. The profession is changing to ensure that it rises to the occasion and faces the challenges of today’s social climate and the communities’ desire for accountability. Quality cadets and law enforcement officers are being heavily recruited into positions across the United States.
Sign-on bonuses, increased pay and benefits, academy sponsorships, and improved employee assistance programs are only some of the ways agencies are attracting top talent.
Career advancement and the opportunity to work in any type of community allow you to pursue whatever path is best for you and ensure that your future options are limitless.
Investing in Creating Heroes: Boots on the Ground
Faculty with Extensive Experience
We know the demands placed on law enforcement officers, because our faculty and instructors work in the field and draw from first-hand experiences to ensure that students are prepared. The College’s Grayling facility features incredible, state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment.
Simulated Practice
Kirtland’s MILO Range Theater 300 is a fully immersive, 5-screen simulator that provides the most challenging and realistic training environment available. The system is one of the largest simulators of its kind in Michigan and allows students to gain the tactical and mental skills required of the profession.
Live Firearms Ranges:
Cadets gain experience handling firearms and practicing marksmanship at Kirtland’s field facilities.
Emergency Vehicles Operations Track:
Road safety and driving skills are developed in real vehicles to prepare cadets to be effective first responders.
Off-Campus Experiences with Experts
Cadets and students don’t just learn from Kirtland instructors. Coursework includes trips and guest instruction so that students see and hear firsthand from professionals serving in a range of criminal justice careers: juvenile justice workers, probation and parole officers, court officials, first responders, and more.
Criminal Justice Program and Regional Police Academy
Kirtland is one of only 20 Police Academies in Michigan, and it attracts cadets from all over the country. The 17-week academy prepares students to take the MCOLES (Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards) licensure test. The Academy combines physical drills and practice, simulations, and coursework into its training methodology.
Kirtland Police Academy graduates have a nearly 100% pass rate on the MCOLES test. Also, the last two academies have seen a 100% employment rate prior to graduation. Nearly 90% of cadets entering the academy are sponsored by an agency. Positions are open throughout Michigan and agencies are in desperate need of qualified persons to fill those jobs.
Getting Into the Academy: Three Tracks!
- Enroll in Kirtland’s Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Pre-Service. This two-year degree combines an associate degree in criminal justice with Kirtland’s 17-week Police Academy. Graduates will earn an associate degree and have completed their training and MCOLES certification.
- Be Sponsored. Police Academy students can be sponsored by a law enforcement agency. Many sponsoring agencies pay for the academy so that you can receive a paycheck while attending the training.
- Use an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from another college. Anyone who holds an associate degree in criminal justice can enroll and attend our regional academy.
Talk with Admissions
Ready to Jump In?
Let’s Get Started
Find out if a path in criminal justice is a fit for you by connecting with us. We’d love to show you around our facilities and training areas, talk with you about our program, and discuss the challenges and rewards that come from a career in law enforcement.
It’s free to apply to Kirtland, so get the process started today!
Or reach out to set up a tour or to start a conversation!
