Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire offers a two-year associate's degree in criminal justice and law enforcement. The program gives students the foundation for a career in law enforcement at the municipal, county or state level, as well as careers in corrections, private investigation and security. For students who have completed 60 college-level credits or graduated from the associate's degree program, the college's Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement Academy also helps students earn a technical degree to further develop their skills and knowledge of law enforcement in less than a year.
Located in Appleton, Fox Valley Technical College's Law Enforcement Recruit Academy provides students with the basic requirements for employment as a Wisconsin law enforcement officer. Twenty-four applicants are accepted in each academy class. The 520-hour program is delivered through in-class lessons, multimedia, interactive group discussion and hands-on instruction to simulate real-life situations.
The Law Enforcement Academy at the West Campus of Madison College offers students a technical diploma in less than one year. The program prepares students for entry-level law enforcement positions at the municipal, county and state levels. Only sworn law enforcement officers assigned by their department with the approval of the Wisconsin Department of Justice are permitted to complete this program; however, exceptions are made when space is available.
State Patrol personnel, as well as federal and local law enforcement officers, can participate in a wide range of training opportunities at the State Patrol Academy. The academy is located at the Fort McCoy Military Installation between Sparta and Tomah. The academy offers courses in firearms training, investigative techniques, leadership and labor relations.
The Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Academy in Rice Lake offers a two-year technical diploma for students interested in a policing career. The program features simulation programs to sharpen students' skills in realistic settings. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate. They must also have a valid driver's license, have completed 60 or more college credits, and have no convictions for felonies or misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence.