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Why does WCC have a more extensive prescreening process than some other academies? While all academies are required to meet MCOLES screening standards, our process is designed to reduce wasted time and money on your part. An application to a police academy is a very involved and costly process. If you don't meet the minimum prerequisites or qualifications for entry, you can waste a great deal of your time and money investing in a process that will not be successful. What kind of questions will I be asked? The questions are of a personal nature which involve your health, moral character, driving record, past education, work record, and general background. This is to determine that you meet all the basic requirements before you get too deep into the process and find that something disqualifies you from admission. What happens if I have problems with my past or present background? The director will discuss whether or not you can overcome the problem(s). You will be advised on how best to proceed with the application process or informed of other career options. What if I don't agree with the director's analysis of my background and I wish to appeal his/her denial of my application? You have the right to contact MCOLES at 517-322-3967 and discuss an appeal process on the day that your enrollment is denied. In order to meet an enrollment deadline, you will have 72 hours to submit your appeal in writing to the MCOLES Executive Director detailing your reasons for the appeal. I can't decide if I should go to college or the police academy. Which is better? A college degree, and graduation from the police academy are both valuable in law enforcement. Washtenaw and other college-based police academies require pre-service recruits to exit the academy with a two-year degree. Many police departments are increasing their entry requirements to include some college or even a two or four year degree. However, to be employed as a police officer in Michigan, you must graduate from an approved police academy. Consider this before you spend four years to earn a degree. After graduation to become a police officer you will still be required to complete an academy One of the first steps in your criminal justice career is to decide what you want to do in law enforcement. If your goal is to be a prosecuting attorney, a bachelor's degree is required for admission to law school. Graduation from a police academy is not a substitute for a college degree. If your goal is to be a police officer your efforts are probably best spent entering and completing an academy. I want to be a profiler like on TV. Should I start by applying to the police academy? First it's important to remember that the profilers on TV are actors. Real profilers don't get in high speed car chases or lead raids with the SWAT team. They spend most of their time in the office dealing with computers, reports, and research. There are a few profilers and they all work for very large organizations such as the state police or the FBI. They are promoted from the ranks of their organization and must have advanced degrees in the behavioral sciences. As exciting as it looks on TV, it's virtually impossible for an individual to enter the police academy and achieve their goal of becoming a profiler. What if I want to be a state trooper? The State Police does not hire graduates of other academies to be troopers. All Michigan state troopers are required to attend the Michigan State Police Training School in Lansing. If your goal is to become a state trooper you should contact the Michigan Civil Service Commission. What if I want to be an FBI agent? The FBI requires that all applicants for law enforcement positions have a four year degree. Being a graduate of a police academy may be a point in your favor during the application and interview process. But, graduation from a police academy in Michigan will not give you a substantial advantage over the thousands of other people who apply to the FBI each year. If you plan on becoming an FBI agent your first step is obtain a four year degree as specified in the FBI Employment Standards. Then contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation for specific information on their application process. How do I get to be a CSI? In real life CSI's (crime scene investigators as they’re called on TV) are drawn from the ranks of police officers within an agency. In Michigan most crime scene specialists are uniformed evidence technicians. These are sworn police officers who receive training in evidence collection and crime scene processing. They spend the most of their time working a normal uniformed assignment. When needed, they go to a crime scene, process it for evidence, and then go back to writing traffic tickets. Forensic and laboratory personnel are sometimes employed by large organizations such as the FBI, and state law enforcement agencies. They work in the lab and are normally not police officers. The first step toward these positions is to earn a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field (chemistry, biology, physics). The next step (since they don’t have to go to the police academy) is to simply apply for jobs as they become available. I don't want to just ride around in a police car. I really want to be a detective, motorcycle officer, or school liaison officer. Can't I just skip the police academy? Detectives, investigators, school resource officers, snipers, motorcycle officers, and other specialized law enforcement positions are filled from within a department by police officers. Getting one of these prized positions requires working first as a patrol officer. Then after several years of experience on the job, testing, and evaluation, you may be considered for promotion or assignment to one of these specialties. And none of this can happen in Michigan unless you graduate from an approved police academy. How much education or schooling do I need to get into the police academy? If you're hired by a police department that sends you the police academy, you are what MCOLES terms an in-service recruit. In-service recruits are required to meet their department’s educational standards. By state law police departments cannot hire an officer unless they have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. However, police educational requirements are increasing. More and more departments are requiring applicants to have a two or four year degree. If you enroll yourself in the academy you are classified by MCOLES as a pre-service recruit. Every pre-service recruit must have 45 college credits (and the proper core classes to graduate from WCC) to be admitted to the academy. This is the equivalent of a two-year degree. When pre-service recruits graduate from the academy, they receive a two year degree from the college. Naturally, applicants who already have a two-year, four-year, or master's degree meet this standard. What type of tests do I need to take before I can apply to the police academy? To be admitted to any police academy you must first pass both MCOLES Pre-Employment Tests. The MCOLES Physical Fitness Pre-Enrollment Test requires applicants to perform specific physical activities for a timed or measured score. WCC administers this test one Sunday each month at Ypsilanti High School. The results of this test are valid for 180 days. After the test results expire it must be retaken to establish an applicant’s fitness for the application process. WCC Test Schedule The MCOLES Reading and Writing Pre-employment Test is a computer-based test which measures your reading and writing skills. It is administered by MCOLES authorized testing sites/academies around the state. WCC offers this test one Sunday each month at the Morris Lawrence building on the main campus. The results of this test are good for life. Once you take this test and receive an acceptable score you never take it again. WCC Test Schedule What is the process for getting into the WCC police academy? The application process involves several steps:
How long does the whole application process take? The application/admission process takes at least six weeks to complete. However it may take longer based on the individual and the issues that arise. What medical problems might keep me out of the academy? MCOLES has set standards for admission to police academies and for police employment. You can view them at MCOLES Medical Standards. If you are concerned about meeting the standards for performing the essential job functions of a police officer, please contact an MCOLES representative at 517-322-6525 for assistance. What if I wanted to be a corrections officer? Corrections officers are employed by either a local sheriff's department, the Michigan Department of Corrections, or the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The training required for these jobs is similar to police training. But by law corrections officers must attend an approved corrections academy as well as their department in-house training. For more information on corrections officer positions click on the corrections links in this section or contact the Michigan Sheriff’s Association in Lansing. Will the police academy help me find a job? The academy and staff does not offer job placement services. Students are responsible for their own employment search. However, issues such as job searches, resumes, and application procedures are addressed during the academy. The director maintains current job postings in the academy office for recruits and past students. Invariably during each academy class several agencies come to the recruit applicants and discuss opportunities in their organization. I take several medications for stress. Is that a problem? Some medications are prohibited by MCOLES during academy training. These are medications that constitute a potential safety risk in a police training environment. Your medications will be evaluated based on the MCOLES standards and policies. If you have a medication issue it must be discussed with the director of the police academy during your first contact. Part of the application process is a drug test. If you fail to disclose medications during your interview with the director or on your medical history form your application will be rejected. It's important to realize that law enforcement training, and law enforcement itself is a high risk, high stress profession. Many medications in common use by the general public cannot be used by police officers. In fact the need for a specific medication may keep an individual out of the academy and law enforcement. All medications will be evaluated in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on a case-by-case basis and related medical or psychological condition. A medical review or further information may be required by MCOLES prior to being enrolled. What do you mean I have to be investigated before I get into the police academy? MCOLES requires that academies verify and confirm the information supplied by applicants. This is done to ensure that unqualified or prohibited applicants are not admitted into an academy class or a police department. I've reviewed the website for the Police Academy and I want to start the application process. What do I do next? You will need to telephone the Police Academy office at 734-677-5024. Ask the staff to set-up a pre-academy screening conference with the director. The director will ask you a series of questions to determine your eligibility. Does it matter if I have a criminal record? Law enforcement requires a high degree of integrity. There are several types of convictions that disqualify applicants from entrance to the academy. Generally any felony conviction will prevent an applicant from entering the police academy. What type of things in my background will keep me out of the police academy? Most of the standards are self explanatory. However MCOLES has a Good Moral Character Standard that must be met. Things which may impact this standard include excessive debt, past drug use, and many other things not normally part of a job interview process. These are all issues that may impact an applicant’s ability to perform the law enforcement function in a fair, effective, and professional fashion. For more information on this you can find MCOLES Administrative Rule 28.1402(e) on the MCOLES website. What is MCOLES? MCOLES is the Michigan Commission On Law Enforcement Standards. It is the state organization that sets the standards for police academy admissions, curriculum, and licensing. They also set the test standards, registration rules and testing protocols. What's the WCC police academy like? The WCC police academy is a highly structured, academically rigorous 20 week training program. Students are required to attend daytime classes along with several evening sessions. Class will be held on at least half of the weekends. The dates and times of class are subject to change. WCC like all academies, demands a high degree of discipline, and self-control from recruits. No allowances can be made for personality clashes, negative attitudes, or personal likes or dislikes. Personal work or family schedules cannot be accommodated. All of this is necessary and universal to police academies around the world. And these conditions accurately reflect the realities of the law enforcement profession. A normal recruit's day at the WCC police academy goes something like this: 5:00 AM: Wake up for Physical Training 5:30 – 6:15 AM: Drive to WCC 6:15 - 7:45 AM: Physical Training 8:30 - 12:30 PM: Classroom lecture/activities 12:30 - 1:30 PM: Lunch 1:30 - 5:30 PM: Classroom lecture/activities 6:30 - 7:30 PM: Work with other recruits on group projects, study groups, or specialized remedial training 7:30 - 8:15 PM: Drive home 8:30 - 9:00 PM: Eat dinner 9:15 - 11:30 PM: Homework/study/class preparation for the next day 11:45 PM: Set Alarm clock for 5:00 AM to make it to PT on time How do I sign up for these tests? Once you decide where and when you want to take the tests you should contact that test site. MCOLES TEST SITES. At Washtenaw you can register for the Physical Fitness Pre-enrollment Test two ways: Pre-registration You may pre-register at the police academy office in ML 106 in the Morris Lawrence building on the main campus in Ann Arbor. Pre-registration for the Physical Fitness Pre-enrollment Test ends at noon on the Friday before the test. To register you must present a properly completed Physician's Health Screening Form, valid picture ID, and $60 cash or money order (no personal checks will be accepted- money orders should be made out to Washtenaw Community College). Registration at the Test Site You may also register for the Physical Fitness Pre-enrollment Test at the test site on the day of the test. To do this you must bring the above documents and fee to Ypsilanti High School gym by 8:45 AM on the day of the test. You can also take the MCOLES Reading and Writing test at Washtenaw. Pre-Registration You must pre-register with MCOLES for the Reading and Writing test. The cost of this test is also $60. Contact MCOLES online or call them at 1 (877) 422-4092. WCC cannot register you for this test! Reading and Writing Test Information Where are your police academy classes held? All WCC police academy classes are held at the main campus in the Morris Lawrence Building at 4800 E. Huron River Drive in Ann Arbor, MI. Do they have classes closer to my house? No. The WCC Police Academy has only one location. But there may be another training school or academy closer to your home. Approved Training Schools But the distance you must travel should not be the primary factor in choosing an academy to attend. How do I pick an academy? Every individual is responsible for their own decisions. Some of the factors students should consider when selecting an academy include: The reputation of the academy Students and graduates talk. What do graduates of an academy say? Were they satisfied with the program? Did they feel they received a good education? Would they recommend that academy to other prospective recruits? The style of academy Training schools or academies are built on one of two models: Paramilitary model: This involves uniform inspections, marching, and other paramilitary activities. Paramilitary style academies appeal to some applicants because of the structure and discipline. People who like a very structured competitive environment often enjoy this type of environment. Adult learning model: At first glance these programs may appear more relaxed and less structured. The uniforms and daily operations seem more low-keyed. The focus is more on academics than on marching. More emphasis is placed on problem solving than on shining shoes. Adult learning academies often appeal to students with a strong academic orientation. WCC is an adult learning based academy. Currently at WCC the class material is delivered using laptop computers. Recruits must be computer literate! In either style academy you'll get the same information and skills. Students must meet the exact same state-mandated standards to graduate. It's just packaged or delivered in a slightly different form. The staff Part of any educational process is the interaction between the students and the instructors. If you feel comfortable with the way you are treated during the application process that’s a good sign. Just like a date, if you feel uncomfortable when dealing with the staff you may want to take that into consideration. The timing of the academy When does the academy start, when does it end? For some people this is an important consideration. If the timing of program is important to you, look at several other local academies to see if they fit your situation. Openings in the academy Every academy has a specific capacity. You may choose an academy based on the availability of space. This is another reason to complete the process in an efficient and timely manner. Once a student is admitted, their spot is secure. How will the academy fit in with my work schedule? The police academy is very intense, demanding, and expensive. Past students have found almost impossible to work and be successful in the police academy. Recruits must be available from 6 AM till 6 or 7 PM five to six days a week. Schedules change based on the curriculum, instructors, weather, facilities and other factors. In addition to this, students have an average of two to six hours of serious study and homework each night. After investing thousands of dollars in the police academy, it seems relatively shortsighted to jeopardize your success and future to work part-time. How much does it cost to go to the WCC police academy? Contact the police academy office at (734) 677-5024 for the current cost of the academy. Do I get college credit for the police academy? Yes. The police academy is an academic class. Students who successfully graduate from the academy at WCC receive 16 credits from the college. Is financial aid available? Yes. Since the academy is a college for-credit course, students may apply for financial aid through the college or any other approved sources. Please contact the WCC financial aid office at (734) 973-3523 for information on available funding. The academy is proud to accept the GI Bill benefits. For some students this may be a critical consideration in their choice of an academy. Although it is hard to believe, there are police academies in Michigan that do not recognize the GI Bill. What type of gun do I need for the police academy? In-service recruits (employees of a police department) have their firearms supplied by their employer. Pre-service recruits use firearms supplied by the college. But I've got a gun already. Can't I just use mine in the academy? No. Only department or college issued firearms are approved for recruit training. The use of personal handguns is not allowed. What about uniforms in the police academy? Upon admission to the academy recruits receive a list of uniforms required along with places to purchase them. In-service recruits have their uniforms supplied by their employer. Pre-service recruits are responsible for purchasing their own uniforms. Student uniforms cost approximately $300. Does everybody who goes to the academy get a job? No. Graduation from a police academy does not guarantee a job. The most recent MCOLES statistics indicate 50 percent of the students who graduate from police academies across the state secure jobs in law enforcement. Currently WCC has a 70 percent employment rate for its graduates. If I graduate from the police academy, where can I get a job? Graduates of the WCC police academy will have the basic qualifications required by the state to be hired by a Michigan police department or Sheriffs department. The Michigan State Police, and the DNR Conservation Law Enforcement Division both require their employees to attend and graduate from their own proprietary academies. In addition to this, some other states accept Michigan’s police academy training. Every class finds recruits considering jobs out of state based on their Michigan certification. More information on individual state requirements and standards is available at International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training IADLEST Will the police academy help me find a job? The academy and staff does not offer job placement services. Students are responsible for their own employment search. However, issues such as job searches, resumes, and application procedures are addressed during the academy. The director maintains current job postings in the academy office for recruits and past students. Invariably during each academy class several agencies come to the recruit applicants and discuss opportunities in their organization. MCOLES, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Michigan Municipal League all post job postings on their web site. Will glasses/contacts prevent me from being a police officer? To enter the academy, MCOLES requires applicants to possess 20/20 corrected vision in each eye. MCOLES Vision Standards.
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