MN Peace Officer A.A.S. Degree

Career Description

This degree is part of the Professional Peace Officer Education Program requirement for Minnesota Peace Officer licensing standards. All coursework is certified by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training and meets the Board’s learning objectives. The degree also applies to those interested in other areas of the justice system.

Program Information

Prepare to become a Minnesota Peace Officer in just two years through this immersive, hands-on program. Designed for students seeking licensure and immediate entry into the workforce, this program emphasizes practical, real-world experiences that build the essential skills needed for a career in law enforcement. You’ll engage in challenging, hands-on training, learning the latest techniques and procedures used in the field. Through realistic simulations, scenario-based exercises, and direct interaction with experienced professionals, you’ll develop the critical thinking and decision-making skills required to handle the complexities of modern policing. Additionally, the program offers valuable internship opportunities, allowing you to gain firsthand experience in real-world law enforcement settings. By the time you graduate, you’ll be fully equipped with the knowledge and practical expertise to start your career as a peace officer.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Understand the structure, process, and relationships between Minnesota Peace Officers and the correctional system;
• Apply tactical skills, such as weapon safety, defense and arrest tactics, vehicle operation, crisis management, and use of force options;
• Process crime scenes from the preliminary stage through disposition;
• Recognize diversity and cultural differences as a mature, ethical, compassionate, and adaptable citizen while meeting the needs of clients and communities;
• Interpret and apply theory, law, policy, and practice as related to juvenile delinquency and deviant behavior;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the roles of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches and how they relate to criminal law;
• Apply knowledge of criminal law, constitutional law, and Minnesota traffic laws;
• Demonstrate strong communication skills–both oral and written–along with an understanding of leadership challenges and contributions in various communities that have experienced racial oppression as it intersects with gender, class, sexuality, disability, and other social identities; and
• Prepare as public servants with the fundamental duty to serve and protect the community from harm and respect the constitutional rights of all citizens.

Special Program Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

• Students must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all courses required in the program;
• College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
• College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
• Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College;
• Courses required for Minnesota P.O.S.T. licensing must be completed within three (3) years of starting the certificate;
• Students must have a valid Emergency Medical Responder certification (or higher) at the time of the Post Board Exam.

Admissions

• Students must complete and pass a background check and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) with a psychologist approved by the Program Coordinator prior to being officially admitted into the program. The background check and MMPI will be completed during the first week of classes.

• Please see the Criminal Justice Coordinator for further information.

Employment Statistics

For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:

https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
Salary information from indeed.com