Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy
- Technical Diploma
Program Number:
Program Credits:
Estimated Total Cost:
Typical Start:
This program is specifically designed for those with a minimum of 40 accredited college-level credits who seek to meet Wisconsin certification requirements as a law enforcement officer. In this role, you'll be responsible for the preservation of law and order in your community. You'll learn numerous skills related to the profession of law enforcement. Your training will also include crime prevention, crime investigation, vehicle patrols, and assisting the public.
This program includes in-class fitness training and other physical education such as defensive tactics and fire arms training. You'll have plenty of opportunities to practice your skills with hands-on training and scenario-based field simulations.
Find out more about Western's Public Safety Training Facility [1].
To view the Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here [2].
Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 64 |
| Graduates Responding | 6 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 2 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 2 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 2 |
| Not in Labor Market | 2 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 0 | 3 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 43 | |
| Average Hourly Wage | $19.00 | |
| Hourly Wage Range | $19.00 | |
| Average Annual Salary | $50,000 |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- Armed Security Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Amazon Delivery
Career Opportunities
Program Outcomes
- Think critically
- Manage emergencies
- Communicate effectively
- Demonstrate professionalism
- Conduct investigations
- Interact with others
- *Demonstrate tactical skills [applies to Certification Track only]
Admission Requirements:
College Requirements
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Program Specific Requirements
For an admission packet for the 720-hour Law Enforcement Academy, please contact the Sparta Public Safety Training Center by phone at 608-789-4747 or by email at sparta@westerntc.edu [3].
The following requirements must be met by students enrolling in preparatory law enforcement officer training:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Possess a general educational development diploma or be a high school graduate.
- Possess either a two‐year associate degree from a Wisconsin technical college system district or its accredited equivalent from another state or a minimum of 40‐accredited credits (semester credits) or 90‐accredited quarter credits.
- Possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license or other such valid operator’s permit recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in Wisconsin.
- Must not have been convicted of any federal felony or of any offense which if committed in Wisconsin could be punished as a felony unless the applicant has been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon.
- Must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor crime of domestic violence unless the applicant has been granted an absolute and unconditional pardon.
- Be citizens of the United States.
- Undergo a medical assessment by a Wisconsin licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner to verify that they can meet the physical standards required of a law enforcement officer.
- Complete a satisfactory oral interview with a panel of law enforcement executives or with teaching or counseling staff affiliated with the training school to determine suitability for law enforcement employment and to assess applicant demeanor, background and ability to communicate.
Cost for the 720 Academy:
The cost for the 720 Law Enforcement Academy is $5,000. This is based upon an estimated $3,700 tuition costs and an additional estimated $1,300 for law enforcement skills evaluation fees.
Software and Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [4].
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [5].
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [6] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [7]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [8].
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [9] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [10]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Courses
Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [11] for more information.
This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [12] self-service portal for academic planning.