Grand Valley to offer new animal control officer training

Grand Valley State University is the first in Michigan, possibly the nation, to provide comprehensive animal control officer training. Beginning in fall 2006, Grand Valley's Criminal Justice Education Center will offer 135 hours of training in topics ranging from animal identification and behavior to legal procedures and investigative techniques.

To be eligible for employment as an animal control officer in Michigan an individual must successfully complete 100 hours of training accepted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Williamson N. Wallace, director of Criminal Justice Training at Grand Valley, said currently there are no standardized training requirements.

"This program has the full support of the MDA," said Wallace. "Upon successful completion, graduates will have satisfied all training and educational requirements necessary to seek employment as an animal control officer in Michigan."

The program runs from Oct. 2 to Dec. 15, 2006, and has the endorsement of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers and the Michigan Humane Society. Application information is available through the Criminal Justice Education Center at (616) 331-7153.