91视频

A new partnership at 91视频 will offer law enforcement training in the Rolla area that fits students鈥� schedules and provides the opportunity for financial aid and services.

The inaugural basic training class of the 91视频 Phelps Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC) will begin in August. It was developed through a collaboration between the College and the Phelps County Sheriff鈥檚 Department (PCSD).

91视频 Rolla Director Christina Ayres said the one-year certificate program combines theory, experiential learning, and practical applications to prepare students for a career as a peace officer. Students who successfully complete this Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) approved program are eligible to take the Missouri Peace Officer License Exam (MPOLE) to become a licensed peace officer.

Students also have the option to take additional general education coursework to complete an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Law Enforcement degree.

Courses will be taught in the evenings and Saturdays during the fall, spring and summer semesters at 91视频 in Rolla, with breaks in between. That allows students to continue their employment while attending training.

Applications are due June 1 for the sessions that begin Aug. 21. There is a selective admission process utilized for students who apply for the program. For more information about the program, visit our Law Enforcement program page, or contact LETC@eastcentral.edu or 573-202-6960.

Local Program

Ayres has been working with Phelps County Sheriff Mike Kirn and Rolla Police Capt. Will Loughridge since August 2021 in preparation for this new program. She explained that a basic law enforcement training program in Rolla alleviates barriers for employers and future officers.

鈥淟ocal agencies have seen a gap in the employment pipeline,鈥� she said. 鈥淭his partnership will provide a local training option reducing additional costs for travel and lodging out of the area.鈥�

鈥淭he location of the basic training academy in Rolla will reduce lengthy commutes,鈥� Loughridge added. 鈥淚t will allow people in our community to attend training close to home, while still allowing them to work and take care of their families until they transition to a career with a police organization.鈥�

Kirn said that a local program will bolster the ranks of the PCSD and police agencies in the Phelps County area.

鈥淭his academy will allow local law enforcement agencies access to quality candidates from our area. Young people who were raised here will take more interest in their community,鈥� he said. 鈥淧eople raised here and trained here will stay here.鈥�

鈥淭his academy will give us a chance to witness the student鈥檚 drive, integrity and work ethic,鈥� Kirn added. 鈥淗aving this knowledge will allow us to make better decisions when hiring.鈥�

Ayres noted that LETC students will have access to federal financial aid, scholarships and services, including tutoring and advising, that all 91视频 students are provided.

鈥淭his is what we do 鈥� we have services and resources already in place to support student learning,鈥� she said.

The state requires 600 training hours for a basic training program. The 91视频 Phelps LETC basic training program exceeds state requirements by providing 700 contact hours to further enhance the skills and knowledge of students.

Collaboration

The 鈥渢heory鈥� and classroom segments of the curriculum will be taught at 91视频 Rolla North, located at 2303 North Bishop, and the hands-on 鈥渆xperiential learning鈥� will utilize facilities and equipment provided by the PCSD.

鈥淧artnering with the sheriff鈥檚 department is a perfect example of carrying out our mission of empowering students and enriching our communities through education.鈥� Ayres said. 鈥淏y addressing this need together, we have the opportunity to maximize each other鈥檚 strengths 鈥� delivering quality education and support services with highly-trained faculty in well-equipped facilities.鈥�

Students who take general education courses, along with electives, to complete an AAS in Law Enforcement have the option to transfer for a bachelor鈥檚 degree. An associate degree in law enforcement provides a foundation for a bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice, pre-law, public administration, emergency management and more.

The degree program could have a remarkable impact on law enforcement in the region, according to Loughridge.

鈥淭he college degree path offered through the 91视频 Phelps LETC is a significant benefit to attendees and future employers,鈥� he said. 鈥淩esearch shows officers with a college degree often have less use of force incidents and less complaints, which limits liability to the organization.鈥�

Loughridge added that the 91视频 Phelps LETC will assist in keeping law enforcement officers in the community as a pipeline for agencies, such as the Rolla Police Department.

鈥淭here is a potential to have nearly all new officers coming out of the academy with an associate degree and their law enforcement certificate,鈥� he said.