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Police Academy
Police Academy
at Grand Valley State University
West Michigan Catalog
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 40 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)
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Example Career
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.
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Entry
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Hourly Wage
$43,280
$76,490
$86,700
$20.81
$36.78
$41.68
Admissions
Basic Police Academy
- Possess either an Associates or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. There is no specific major requirement. Please contact the academy if you are unsure as to whether the conferring institution is accredited. OR
- Be a registered student at GVSU or Baker College and be eligible for graduation with either an Associates or a Bachelor’s degree upon completion of the police academy. NOTE:
- Declaration or completion of the Criminal Justice major does not guarantee admission to the Police Academy.
- A major in Criminal Justice is not required, however applicants are encouraged to take courses in Criminal Law and Criminal Investigations (GVSU offers CJ 302 & CJ 311) as a foundation for the academy.
- Students considering the Police Academy should take a broadly-based series of social science courses in addition to their major requirements. All academy attendees will be required to enroll in and complete the following classes during the course of the Basic Police Academy: CJ 415, 416, 417, 418, and 419 (these classes are incorporated into the academy programs and are not separate requirements). Enrollment in these courses will take place during the acceptance process to the academy (do not try to pre-enroll).