Mid-State celebrates law enforcement training academy graduates with recognition ceremony

Metro Wire Staff

Mid-State Technical College held a special ceremony on Dec 15 to celebrate its law enforcement graduates.

The recognition ceremony was held at the Wisconsin Rapids campus. The 21 students recently completed training through its Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement 720 Academy, which provides the basic law enforcement training required to become a law enforcement officer in Wisconsin.

Successful completion of law enforcement basic training is required to be certified by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) as a law enforcement officer in the state of Wisconsin. Mid-State Technical College offers two basic training academies each year (spring and fall). The 720-hour, 18-week curriculum is determined by the DOJ, and the content of the academy includes a wide and diverse presentation of subjects, addressing all the essential functions required of law enforcement officers.

“Because most Wisconsin law enforcement agencies require or at least expect applicants to bring their DOJ certification into the application process, this special training and certification make our students all the more employable,” said Dr. Clark Pagel, Mid-State’s law enforcement and jail academy director.

According to Pagel, Mid-State also has an articulation agreement with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point that allows UW-Stevens Point students to take a semester off from their studies to attend Mid-State’s academy and earn UW-Stevens Point credit for that experience.

Learn more about Mid-State’s Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement 720 Academy and Criminal Justice-Studies programs at mstc.edu/programs.