Spring Fulltime Academy: January 11, 2021 – May 14, 2021 (applications CLOSED - all seats are full)
Fall Full Time Academy: August 16, 2021 – December 17, 2021 (applications due May 1 – June 15, 2021)
Early applications are not accepted.
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 60 associate degree level college credits at an accredited college or university
- 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:
Obtain:
- Official copies of your college transcripts
- Official proof of high school graduation or equivalency
- Your driver's record (available online)
- Military discharge records (if applicable)
Drop off or mail documents to:
Madison College Law Enforcement Academy
1701 Wright 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.
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.