Career/Program Overview
The Law Enforcement program is designed to satisfy all pre-license requirements of the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Graduates are prepared for careers as police officers, deputy sheriff’s, corrections officers, security and other law enforcement positions. An additional career path includes training toward a conservation officer, which would include a two-year program such as Environmental Science at RCTC.
The Associate in Science Law Enforcement Transfer Pathway degree, Associate in Applied Science degree and the Certificate program satisfy requirements to become MN POST Board Exam eligible. Graduates seeking employment as a Police Officer will be required to pass the POST exam.
Curriculum-at-a-Glance
Program-related courses include: Introduction to Law Enforcement, Introduction to Criminal Investigations, Basic Firearms, Police Report Writing, Minnesota Criminal Statutes, Minnesota Traffic Statutes, Human Behavior and Ethics for Law Enforcement, Criminal Procedure, Juvenile Law & Procedures, Practical Exercises for Law Enforcement and First Responder training.
Program/Degree Options
RCTC offers an Associate in Science degree (60 credits), Associate in Applied Science degree (60 credits), and a Certificate option in Law Enforcement (29 credits) for individuals that have already completed a degree from any regionally accredited university or college in any subject.
Program Start Date(s)
Students can begin general education requirements any semester. Program-related or professional courses are sequential, thus, preplanning with the program advisor is strongly encouraged.
The skills program starts at the beginning of the spring semester. Students will need to pass a physiological exam to be eligible to enroll in the skills program. Students will also need to pass an RCTC Cooper skills physical fitness test to attend defensive tactics.
Career Opportunities/Information
The programs prepare you for a career in law enforcement which may include a position with the police, sheriff’s office, state patrol or conservation office. Secondly, the Associate in Science degree program will provide you with excellent transfer opportunities should a student decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Accreditations/Articulations
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Rochester Community and Technical College.
RCTC’s Law Enforcement program is accredited by the Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training Board.
For additional information on the most current list of RCTC program articulations see us at www.rctc.edu/academics/articulations/
Additional Information
Program Website: www.rctc.edu/program/lawe
Program Plan: www.rctc.edu/academics/programs/
More Information: www.rctc.edu/about/contact-information/
Gainful Employment
The U.S. Department of Education’s (USDE) gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information for programs that lead to certificates or diplomas and are financial aid eligible. The most current RCTC gainful employment information can be found at: http://www.rctc.edu/academics/programs
Overview content updated: 2018-06-05