Michigan's first line of defense -- its police and public safety departments -- will be adding to their ranks as Grand Valley State University's Police Academy graduates its 30th class this summer.
Twenty-nine recruits will graduate from the Police Academy in a ceremony held 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, in the Louis Armstrong Theatre on Grand Valley's Allendale campus. Family and friends of the recruits will also be in attendance.
The Police Academy, established in 1974, is a 15-week program running every summer at Grand Valley. To be accepted into the program, potential students must already have a 2- or 4-year college degree, or be in the process of completing a 4-year degree with the 15 credits they earn from the academy.
Police Academy Director Williamson Wallace explained the rigors of the program. "Our academy consists of approximately 655 hours of training to prepare recruits for a law enforcement career," he said. "All the basic police education and skills are obtained here, including firearms training, defensive tactics, first aid, emergency vehicle operation, and physical fitness." In addition, the academy teaches five major academic courses including legal issues.
One day prior to their graduation, recruits take the state licensing exam. "Upon passing that exam and graduating from the academy, they are eligible to be licensed as police officers," Wallace said. Their license becomes activated when they become employed by a law enforcement agency.
Recruits are typically hired into police, sheriff's and public safety departments. This summer's recruits are the police officers and first responders of tomorrow.
Awards for highest academic achievement, physical fitness, and outstanding performance will be given at the graduation ceremony.
