Higher Standards. More Training. Better Officers.
The Grand Valley State University Police Academy educates and trains police recruits so they graduate with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to begin a successful career in law enforcement. Grand Valley is known as a leader in the state for police academy training and has been setting the bar for law enforcement for over 50 years.
Whether you are a current GVSU student or pursuing a degree from another institution, Grand Valley's Police Academy is your next step to a successful career in law enforcement.
And there are now two sessions to choose from- Summer (May-August) and Fall (August-December)
If so, Grand Valley offers an 8-week police academy for military police veterans like you.
Summer and Fall Sessions Available
Why Choose Grand Valley's Academy?
The GVSU Police Academy has trained students from all academic disciplines to become qualified, ethical, and competent law enforcement candidates for over 50 years and continually sets the bar for law-enforcement education.
MCOLES requires 615 hours of mandatory curriculum. Grand Valley goes above and beyond, offering 669 hours of curriculum, with contemporary topics ranging from obtaining employment to unbiased policing and decision making. All of which can immediately be applied to real-world scenarios. Visit this page to see a sample schedule.
Grand Valley's cadets are better trained and have the percentages to prove it.
- 92.6% program completion rate*
- 99.6% licensing exam pass rate*
- 99% employment rate**
*5-year average (2016-2024) **5-year average (2015-2024)
The vast majority of the instruction comes from local law-enforcement officers with a wealth of knowledge and years of experience. The academy is rigorous but your instructors and support staff will be there to support you from the time you enter to the time you graduate. This kind of intimate support is what GVSU is known for and it applies to the Academy as well.
The GVSU Police Academy offers an accelerated, 8-week, basic military police training program for qualifying MP veterans interested in transitioning to civilian policing. This unique program:
- Is taught by a faculty base that is 98% active or former law enforcement and military
- Has a program completion rate of 100%*
- Has a licensing exam pass rate of 100%*
- Has an employment rate of 90%**
*5-year average (2013-2016, 2020) **4-year average (2013-2016, 2020 data not avl.)
Success Stories
Grand Rapids City Police Officer Blake Walton (2019) talks about his experience in the GVSU Academy.
Sergeant Joy Matthews (2006) of the Kent County Sheriff's Department talks about her GVSU Police Academy experience.
Grand Rapids City Police Officer Juan Escamilla (2020) talks about his academy experience.
Grand Rapids City Police Officer Jesse Flores (2019) talks about his academy experience.
Applications available for 2026 Summer and Fall Police Academies
Grand Valley's Police Academy will be holding two 17-week sessions in the Summer and Fall of 2026 (for the Basic Academy) and one 8-week session in the Summer (for the MP Veterans Academy).
Summer Academy applications due on January 15, 2026
Fall Academy applications due on April 22, 2026