
Law Enforcement Academy
About
The Law Enforcement Academy prepares candidates for entry-level positions as law enforcement officers at the municipal, county and state level. This program is limited to sworn law enforcement officers assigned by their department with the approval of the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Exceptions to this are granted on a space available basis to candidates who complete the process identified below. Admission is restricted to those who qualify under the Administrative Code of the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board.
Graduates seeking employment will be required to pass a physical exam and meet the physical fitness standards; have possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record; and have no conviction of a felony offense. Positions require a background investigation, psychological testing and mandatory drug testing. An applicant for employment as a law enforcement officer must possess either, 1) a two-year associate degree from a Wisconsin technical college or its accredited equivalent from another state or, 2) a minimum of 60 fully accredited college-level credits.
Admissions
The 520- Law Enforcement Academy is offered Spring, Summer & Fall and meets for 13 consecutive weeks Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm. Recruitment takes place four months prior to the start of each Academy. For specific questions or application materials contact Joanna Schmidt, 608-246-5297 or jmschmidt3[at] matcmadison [dot] edu
2012 Law Enforcement Academy
Spring - January 23 - April 20, 2012
Summer - June 1 - August 31, 2012
Fall - September 13 - December 14, 2012
2012 Jail Academy
April 30 - May 25, 2012
2013 Law Enforcement Academy
Spring - January 23 - April 26, 2013
2013 Jail Academy
April 9- May 25, 2013
Program Outcomes
- Make Decisions: students must make sound decisions which are legal, ethical, do not compromise safety, do not compromise investigations, resolve situations at least temporarily, and promote long-term problem solving.
- Use Tactics: students must use sound tactics by using effective tactical evaluation, deploying resources appropriately, maximizing the use of cover and concealment, using appropriate positioning and movement.
- Manage Emergencies: students must manage emergencies effectively by taking charge, determining priorities, stabilizing scenes, preserving life and evidence, identifying additional resources needed, and returning scenes to normal.
- Conduct Investigations: students must conduct effective investigations by assessing and stabilizing scenes, identifying and locating victims and witnesses, conducting effective interviews and interrogations, identifying, collecting, and preserving physical evidence, documenting physical and testimonial evidence.
- Articulate and Document Actions: students articulate and document actions effectively by preparing and using field notes, preparing written reports and associated paperwork, explaining the rationale behind actions taken, and testifying regarding observations and actions.
- Interact with Others: Communicate and interact with others effectively by showing respect, exhibiting a professional attitude and demeanor, adapting to situations, and displaying sensitivity for diverse cultures and individuals.
Employment
View Gainful Employment information.
- Revenue Agent
- Deputy Sheriff
- Police Officer
- Special Agent
- Park Ranger
- Conservation Warden
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:
- Detective
- Sergeant
- Lieutenant
- Captain
- Chief


