Kirtland Regional Police Academy
Upcoming Police Academies
January 8 through May 3, 2024 – screening begins August 8, 2023
August 12, 2024 – December 6, 2024 – screening begins February 13, 2024
Police Academy
“Working as a police officer can be satisfying, rewarding, saddening, lonely and fulfilling–all during the same shift.”
~ Timothy Rufa, from his essay “A Day in the Life of a Cop”
There is a need for more manpower
Many people have left law enforcement and, as a result, there aren’t enough qualified men and women to fill all the open positions. Right now is a “sellers market” for recent cadets who graduate in good standing from a police academy.*
As a result:
If you choose law enforcement as your career, it’s an understatement to say you’ll be in high demand. Although we can’t specifically make a promise to you about your employment, your chances of getting a job right out of school are excellent.
You can potentially earn a very good salary. The trend now is toward higher wages and better benefits. Many agencies are returning to pensions after abandoning that approach to retirement some years ago. Most jobs now come with excellent benefits and job security.
There’s less competition for promotions. It’s probable that you’ll have opportunities to advance more quickly than in the past.
You can choose where to apply for a job. New entrants can go just about anywhere right now, which is unusual for this field.
* Police academies in Michigan operate under the auspices of the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). MCOLES is mandated by statute to promulgate medical and non-medical standards for the selection, employment, training, licensing, and revocation of law enforcement officers in Michigan.
Career Opportunities
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers
Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $64,510
Employment growth (2021-31): 8%
Salary data according to O*NET Online
Let the best train you to be your best — and serve!
Consistently rated the top (or one of the top) programs in Michigan.
We have had a 98 percent placement rate and 100 percent pass rate on the licensing exam for several years running. This places us consistently in the top 3 in the state.
The director of our program has had a long career in law enforcement and is active today across multiple areas of law enforcement training and licensure.
The Director of our Criminal Justice program is also the Director of the Kirtland Regional Police Academy. Additionally, he runs the in-service training that Kirtland provides for active duty officers. He’s also in charge of the Kirtland Academy’s Recognition of Prior Training and Experience.**
** Recognition of Prior Training and Experience (RPTE) works with candidates seeking eligibility for Michigan Law Enforcement Licensure or additional years of eligibility; for example, an officer who retires and wants to come back into the field or an individual coming from out of state. Kirtland is only one of two schools in Michigan running this program for the State.
Professors and instructors are currently working in the field
Each instructor in the Police Academy is certified in their area of our curriculum, e.g. our courses in criminal law or constitutional law are taught by attorneys, prosecutors or defense attorneys. This also applies to instructors in firearms training, defensive tactics training, etc. All instructors are working professionals with real life experience.
New training equipment and technology
Recently, Kirtland has received grants to modernize much of our police training equipment, including:
- New police vehicles for emergency vehicle operations
- An updated supply of firearms, as well as brand new force-on -force equipment
- New scenario house- – one of the only academies in the State of Michigan with such a facility. A separate 1400 square foot building, it’s going to be used for scenarios and force-on-force training.
- For scenario training, we have a new MILO 300-degree, 5-screen scenario system, based on infrared technology. As students interact with the scenario and make decisions, they’re surrounded by virtual reality projections on five screens, continually updated to reflect the changing circumstances.
What will you learn?
You’ll learn what it takes to be a police officer. You’ll learn how to respond to demands placed on law enforcement officials. You’ll learn how to handle situations and weapons. This highly regarded program will prepare you to fill a job that’s open now. You’ll learn what you need to know to get hired, serve — and explore career choices you might consider later.
Complete your Police Academy training through us!
Our Regional Police Academy is designed for more than just training officers. We give you instructors considered to the best of the best at training and teaching. We promise to prepare you for success.
This program is for people who are:
- interested in serving via law enforcement or emergency response
- willing to learn while they train
- ready to become part of a family of successful graduates
- willing to improve with the guidance of expert trainers and instructors.
Train. Choose. Serve.
There are several ways you can enter our Regional Police Academy:
- As the last semester of our Criminal Justice Pre-Service AAS program.
- Being sponsored by a law enforcement agency.
- If you already have an associate degree or higher in any subject and want to become a law enforcement officer.
- If you qualify for a Military Police educational waiver from MCOLES.
- As the last semester of your CJ program with one of our partnering colleges.
With a median salary at $63,380 and a job growth outlook between now and 2026 at 7% for police officers and detectives (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics), your investment of time and money will be worth it.
The jobs available for graduates of our Regional Police Academy are abundant, and those continuing on to specialized fields find our training has served them well. Employers are confident when hiring our graduates because they are familiar with the long-term success and caliber of our program.
You WILL be ready!
Whether you want to join the ranks of police officers or simply have to check the “police academy” box on your criminal justice journey, we are going to train you to be ready.
Our academy exceeds state requirements for police academy core curriculum. We are committed to having you join the ranks of our graduates who have passed the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) licensing exam.
The success of our program has been propelling our graduates for years. Our Regional Police Academy graduates have achieved a 99.99% MCOLES pass rate during the past decade.
We feel as though it is our duty to prepare you to serve in a community of your choice in whichever capacity you choose. Agencies around the country are looking for people trained by us.
What’s distinctive about our Regional Police Academy?
- The mix of classroom and hands-on work produces results.
- Our state-of-the-art multi-screen interactive simulator and a remote-controlled LIVE FIRE target system make training legitimately modern.
- Instructors are experts in the field — and work in it!
Passionate student-focused advisors provide the guidance you need to succeed.
Our advisors are well-known among current and former students alike for their kindness and exceptional level of interest and commitment to our students’ success. They’ll do their best to answer your questions and get you the right information.
Kirtland makes it easier to work out the finances
You can save a lot of money by enrolling here. Our tuition rates are one-third the cost of most four-year schools and universities, which puts you at a real advantage!
We also have many resources for financial aid and professional staff who’ll help you apply.
Get help with your financial aid
You may be surprised by how simple it is to apply for government grants, scholarships and loans.
Your credit history is not a major consideration in qualifying for federal aid. You DON’T need to attend school full-time to qualify. And we will assist you with the process you’re dreading IF you need help. Often students are eligible for more money than they’re expecting.
Your path to a lucrative & fulfilling future
Step 1 — Get Started
Apply for admission to the college. Apply for financial aid. p.s. If you need assistance with your financial aid application, we’re here to help!
Step 2
Speak to an advisor!
They’ll help you navigate the process, dot the I’s and cross the T’s! Once you’ve made your decision, declare Kirtland Regional Police Academy as your program of study with your advisor.
Step 3
Complete your coursework.
Step 4
Graduate with your Police Academy, Certificate of Completion. Celebrate!
FINAL STEP
Get a great job doing what you love!
Bonus STEP
In-service training at Kirtland to gain additional skills and certifications.