MCTC's Law Enforcement Program will prepare you to become a professional law enforcement officer who thinks clearly, applies communication and human behavior principles to the job, and effectively uses hands-on skills as the situation requires.

MCTC's Center for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement is accredited by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training.  This program provides both the academic and skills components of the mandated law enforcement curriculum. As a result, your coursework will be varied - from learning Minnesota statutes and the U.S. Constitution, to studying criminal and traffic law, to training for the many skills used in daily law enforcement, such as:

• Handling and using firearms
• Critical decision making in deadly force situations
• Armed and unarmed defensive tactics
• High-speed and pursuit driver techniques
• Routine and high-risk traffic stop tactics
• Response to In-progress crimes
• Domestic violence situations
• Criminal investigation and arrest procedures
• Traffic law enforcement and accident investigation

Faculty members include active and career law enforcement officers who bring broad experience to the classroom and simulation areas.  You will experience the latest in tactics and technology, making your learning experiences highly valuable. For example, decision shooting exercises use DVD technology with interactive scenarios so you are immersed in realistic "life-threatening" situations. You will also find yourself confronting typical law enforcement problems in a realistic simulation lab, where your actions and techniques are videotaped for review and analysis.

To enter the program, you will need to possess a valid driver's license, be able to pass a criminal background check, and not be prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm. You also must purchase a uniform, utility belt and gym wear and have sufficient strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance to satisfactorily complete the firearms, defensive tactics and patrol tactics included in the skills portion of the program.

Once you complete the program, you will be eligible to take the State's peace officer licensing examination required to be eligible for entry-level law enforcement positions with State, county or local government. You must be a U.S. citizen, however, to enter the law enforcement profession.

MCTC has an articulation agreement with Metropolitan State University, should you decide to pursue a four-year degree.