NTCC police academy offers police training for cadets with criminal justice degrees

The Northeast Police Academy at Northeast Texas Community College is offering a capstone course for prospective cadets who already hold an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice and wish to become a certified peace officer. The capstone academy begins May 17 and ends August 11 and will be held during evening on weekdays on the Main NTCC campus.

The program includes three courses: Texas Peace Officer Skills, Procedures and Law. Classes meet from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. Dormitories are available to students who require on-campus housing. The estimated cost of the program is $1,357 plus books and uniforms. Student loans are available.

"This is a great opportunity for people who already have a foundation in the field of criminal justice to go back and get certified for police work in Texas. The program in intensive, but you get a lot of training during a relatively short period of time," Richard Jones, Northeast Police Academy Director, said.

The Northeast Police Academy is licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). Students will receive hands-on training to ensure that graduates possess the required skills,training, experience and self-confidence to succeed in a career in law enforcement.

In order to be considered for acceptance into the Northeast Police Academy, students must be a high school or GED graduate, be at least 21 years of age, have not been convicted of an offense above a Class C misdemeanor and must have no felony convictions. Students who are under 21 may be admitted if they have completed 60 hours of college instruction or an associateπs

degree. Students must also complete an application, psychological exam, physical exam and a criminal history background check.

For more information about the evening academy, please call 903-434-8134.