JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (WBMA) — Jacksonville State University has received approval from the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) to launch a new program that allows students to graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and Alabama law enforcement certification.
According to the university, Jax State is the first institution in Alabama to offer the model, which combines a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with the university’s Law Enforcement Academy Minor. The program is designed to allow qualified students to complete the academic and training requirements needed to become certified law enforcement officers before graduation.
Students accepted into the program must meet the same admissions standards required of law enforcement recruits statewide, including interviews, physical and psychological evaluations, and physical agility testing. During their junior year, participants will attend an APOST-certified law enforcement academy before gaining practical experience with the Jacksonville State University Police Department while completing their senior year.
University and APOSTC officials said the partnership is intended to help address law enforcement workforce shortages by preparing graduates to enter the profession immediately after earning their degrees. They also said the program will reduce hiring costs for agencies by eliminating the need to pay for academy training for participating graduates.
The Law Enforcement Academy Minor consists of 21 credit hours and is integrated into students’ degree plans. University officials said additional information is available through Jacksonville State’s Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation.