Program Overview

Program Overview

The Law Enforcement Academy at Gallatin College MSU provides foundational training for a future in Law Enforcement and Public Safety. The program trains students to become skilled police and law enforcement officers, teaching them how to patrol neighborhoods, investigate crimes, control traffic, communicate with witnesses, collect and handle evidence, and prevent crime.

Program Details

The program takes place in-person over 14 weeks during the Summer, with three additional online courses in the Fall semester. Graduates will earn an accredited Certificate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement and be eligible for a state-recognized Public Safety Officer Standards and Training (POST) basic certification upon being hired by a Montana law enforcement agency within five years of program completion.

Certification Requirements

To be eligible for the POST basic certification, graduates must fulfill additional employment and training requirements outlined in Montana A.R.M. 23.13.205 and 23.13.206.

Courses and Job Skills

Through courses including:

• Police Patrol Procedures
• Communications for Public Safety
• Criminal Investigation
• Firearms
• Life Saving Skills students will gain valuable job skills, including:
  • Summarizing the development and content of Federal, Montana, and Tribal laws and the basics of criminal procedure
  • Following the basic structure of patrol operations, responding to various patrol-related scenarios using best practices, and translating events through verbal or written reports
  • Practicing impartial and fair policing when interacting with diverse populations and applying best practices to foster healthy outcomes for officers and citizens
  • Applying the investigative training appropriate to the circumstances of a particular encounter
  • Demonstrating appropriate lifesaving skills called on by a situation, including defensive tactics, officer use of force, and basic medical attention
  • Using appropriate communication strategies called on by a situation, including constructive questioning, de-escalation, report writing, and use of inclusive language and legal terminology

Career Opportunities

Law Enforcement Academy program graduates may pursue careers such as:

• Police, sheriff, or highway patrol officers
• Tribal law enforcement officers
• Criminal investigators and detectives
• Fish, wildlife and parks game wardens