A candidate for police officer training must have completed high school, be a United States citizen and be at least 21 years old. Located in Helena, Montana, the MLEA (Montana Law Enforcement Academy) is the primary law enforcement training institution for Montana state, county, city and tribal officers. The MLEA program offers entry-level (basic training) as well as a diversity of professional development programs and advance specialty training for those individuals already serving in a Montana law enforcement capacity. Recruits for the Montana Highway Patrol are also trained in Helena, Montana at the Montana Highway Patrol Academy.
Montana Law Enforcement Academy
?2260 Sierra Road East
?Helena, MT 59602-8839
Phone: (406) 444-9950
?Fax: (406) 444-9977
Montana State Highway Patrol Academy
303 N Roberts
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-3259
?E-mail: [email protected]
Montana law requires that state, county and city law enforcement officers, public safety communicators correction officers, detention officers, juvenile detention officers and motor carrier service officers must, within the first 12 months of employment, attend and successfully complete the basic course offered for their chosen profession. Classes at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy range from one to 12 weeks in duration. The basic training course covers a wide range of subjects including: law, human behavior, patrol operations, investigations, traffic enforcement, police function and police proficiencies.
All officers are required to complete a Montana Physical Abilities Test (MPAT) to assess their ability to satisfactorily perform the job duties that require physical exertion. The MPAT measures flexibility, strength and endurance.
Officers who have served in another state may request employment reciprocity based on their law enforcement experience and qualifications. If reciprocity is granted, the officer must attend the Legal Equivalency Basic Course, which includes training in firearms proficiencies and an update on Montana laws. The Legal Equivalency Basic Course is offered three times each year. To be eligible for reciprocity, an officer with out-of-state experience is required to have served a minimum of one year with a law enforcement agency, have complete a basic law enforcement course in another state and successfully completed a one-year probationary period with his prior law enforcement employer.
Officers wishing to relocate to Montana may apply at:
Montana Law Enforcement Academy
Glen Stinar, Professional Programs Manager
Phone: (406) 444-9980
E-mail: [email protected]
The basic requirement of police officers in Montana is a high school diploma or equivalency. However, many individuals seeking to enter law enforce increase their knowledge and experience with post-secondary education. Law enforcement agencies encourage potential applicants to pursue courses or training related to law enforcement after high school. Many colleges and universities offer degree programs in criminal justice, administration of justice or programs in law enforcement. Previous military experience, especially in military police operations, gets a candidate priority consideration.