Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy

Spring Fulltime Academy: January 8, 2024 – May 10, 2024 (applications accepted September 15 – November 1, 2023)

Fall Full Time Academy: August 12, 2024 – December 13, 2024 (applications accepted May 1 – June 15, 2024)

Early applications are not accepted. Due to the increased demand for staffing by agencies in our district, seats for pre-service applicants are limited.

Madison College offers basic law enforcement academy training to those persons not yet hired as a law enforcement officer, but who wish to fund and enroll in the training themselves. The process for civilian entry into the academy is not automatic, and requires a complete assessment to include a background investigation, interview panel, skills assessment and a physical readiness test. Madison College only accepts those persons who demonstrate the ability, responsibility and maturity needed to successfully complete our training academy and gain employment as a law enforcement officer. Recruits who enter our academy prior to being hired by a police agency are termed "pre-service." We proudly have a placement rate of over 90 percent within six months of graduation from our police academy for pre-service recruits. You can apply to the Madison College Law Enforcement Academy as a pre-service student if you meet the following qualifications:

• At least age 18 years old
• A U.S. citizen
• Completed least 40 associate degree level or higher college credits with an accredited college or university
  
  • Applicants must provide an official college transcript
  • Colleges and universities must be accredited by an accrediting agency or association that is acknowledged by the United States Secretary of Education
• Have no felony charges, domestic abuse injunctions or mental commitment history
• Have a valid driver's license with minimum infractions over the past seven years

To apply as a pre-service candidate to the academy, please read and follow the entire process below.

Part One: Documentation & Fitness Testing

Download and complete:

• Enrollment Application DJ LE-327
• Academy Background Questionnaire

 Obtain:

• Official copies of your college transcripts
• Official proof of high school graduation or equivalency
  • For financial aid also submit your official transcripts to Admissions
• Your driver's record (available online)
• Military discharge records (if applicable)

Drop off or mail documents to:

Madison College Law Enforcement Academy
1701 Pearson St.
Madison, WI 53704

Schedule:

Physical Readiness Test You may schedule your test date while your application is in review.

Late or incomplete applications are not considered for entry into the academy.

Part Two: Interview

If your application passes review, you will be notified of your interview, it is within 75 days of the start of the Law Enforcement Academy.

• Obtain your official birth certificate
• Complete Birth Certificate Verification DJ LE-322

Part Three: Conditional Acceptance

Based on the results of your interview and fitness test, you may receive a conditional acceptance letter into the academy as a pre-service recruit and directions for fingerprinting and a criminal background check.

Part Four: Final Acceptance

If you pass the Department of Justice background check, you will receive the academy training schedule, uniform requirements, policies, and orientation information.