The Classroom Experience - Law Enforcement

The Law Enforcement program is a 1+1 program with Kalamazoo Valley Community College. This program is designed for the first year of coursework to be completed at Lake Michigan College and finish the program's requirements with KVCC.

Expectations and Skills Taught
"Success in this field will come from developing communication skills, working well in a team situation, having confidence in your abilities, and being driven by your own goals," says Lake Michigan College instructor and program coordinator Robert Lane.

Often, officers and agents are not viewing people at their finest moment. "No one enjoys receiving a traffic ticket or being confronted by an officer, so be prepared for criticism and disapproving remarks. You'll need tough skin," says Robert.

Other required skills include:

The duties of law enforcement officials are numerous and complex. It demands continuous study so that officers may be acquainted with court decisions, proper procedure, regulations and statues that they are called on to enforce.

Regional Police Training Academy
Kalamazoo Valley Community College has been designated as a Regional Police Training Academy by the Michigan commission on Law Enforcement Standards. The Police Academy provides training for newly hired city, county, and township officers as required by the mandatory Police Training Act in Michigan. In addition, the Police Academy offers the training to pre-service students who meet the minimum requirements to be police officers in the state of Michigan. In this 17-18 week credit program, you will learn about police organization, criminal investigation, traffic control, juvenile law, criminal law, and enforcement procedures.

Upon successful completion of the entire academy block of instruction you will be eligible to take the mandatory certification examination given by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). Two Police Academies are held each year, one from August to December and another from February to June.

Technology in the Classroom
Instructors combine traditional classroom lectures with technology. PowerPoint presentations, the Internet, and materials available on Blackboard - the College's instructional Intranet - play an important role in class.

Getting the Most from the Program
Since this program is a 1+1 program with Kalamazoo Valley Community College, it is important to keep in touch with your advisor to make sure you are on track for a smooth transition between schools.

Your advisor will also be able to inform you of any adjustments that may need to take place if academic requirements change within this program.