SEMO’s Law Enforcement Academy Graduates Officers This Week

Of the 28 graduating officers, 27 will begin their career in Southeast Missouri and one will begin their career in the St. Louis area.

Past graduates work at all levels of law enforcement, including local, county, state, and federal agencies. The Academy is a 19-week program, including options to earn 18 credit hours from the University for either a certificate in Law Enforcement or towards a bachelor's degree in a four-year program.

"There are over 1,000 learning objectives that cover everything from constitutional law to de-escalation," Bollinger said. "It is a mixture of hands-on training such as defensive tactics and classroom training such as mental health awareness. Just like working in law enforcement, there is no typical day."

Graduates have a 100% P.O.S.T. exam pass rate over the last three years. Bollinger says there are currently more law enforcement job openings across the nation than there are people to fill them, meaning job prospects are positive for graduating classes.

The LEA graduation ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. in the Show Me Center meeting rooms.