To help address the shortage of qualified candidates needed to fill local law enforcement jobs, Lakeshore College is launching a new accelerated Criminal Justice program beginning in August. The program's accelerated timeframe can have students graduated and ready to start a new career in law enforcement as soon as January 2026.
This accelerated program covers everything Lakeshore's longstanding Criminal Justice 720 Embedded Academy covers though only takes 18 weeks to complete and is eligible for financial aid—nowhere else in Wisconsin is this combination offered. Both programs cover the State of Wisconsin Recruit Academy's curriculum and are certified by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Training and Standards Bureau.
The accelerated program will move students into the workforce much faster than the standard program, which takes three semesters to complete over one year. Getting students through training faster is something area law enforcement agencies are asking for, so Lakeshore is delivering while maintaining our high-quality standards.
“By dedicating your efforts to serving others, law enforcement can be an extremely rewarding career. It's also a job area in high demand, with great pay and benefits. This accelerated training offers a great way for someone to change careers or start a career in law enforcement.” --Ryan Skabroud, Lakeshore College Dean of Health & Public Safety
Why Choose Law Enforcement?
Working in law enforcement is challenging, and rewarding. You're directly impacting people's lives. You're serving and protecting people and communities. You're using your negotiating skills wisely as you resolve conflicts. You're tapping your ability to handle stressful situations calmly and effectively. You are making a difference.
Would you be a good fit for this accelerated program? The answer is yes if you:
- want to start in, or move into, a law enforcement career
- can fully focus on the fast pace of this coursework
- are interested in getting credit for prior learning gained during military service, work, training, self-study or volunteering, potentially allowing you to test out of some courses
- would like to become part of the strong Wisconsin Retirement System
- have completed at least 24 college credits covering any subject matter
Successfully completing this program will earn you a Justice 720 Embedded Academy technical diploma. You will also be well prepared to obtain the required licensure to become employed in Wisconsin in a variety of law enforcement roles, including police and sheriff's patrol officers.
If you're interested in opening even more doors to law enforcement down the road, know that you will be only two semesters away from earning Lakeshore's Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement degree, which along with the embedded academy degree, can transfer toward a bachelor's degree.
Learn in Cutting-Edge Facilities
Students will learn from experienced instructors in cutting-edge facilities including Lakeshore's outdoor firearms range, driving skills emergency vehicle operations track, and Scenario City—Lakeshore's public safety training village featuring commercial and residential buildings in which students undergo hands-on, real-time tactical training experiences. A free on-site Fitness Center is also available to students with times reserved just for students enrolled in public safety programs.
