WTC seeking applicants to join 18-week law enforcement academy

Registration is open for the newest law enforcement academy taking place at the Sparta Public Safety Training Center.

The classes, through Western Technical College, begin in January of 2019.

WTC associate dean of public safety, Kevin Dean, said their numbers are dropping.

“There’s a lot more hours than it used to be,” he said. “There is the danger involved.

“But just as law enforcement has been highlighted in the media across the country, I think we’re starting to see that trickle down effect.”

The program lasts 18 weeks — 720 hour training session. Those applying must also have 60 college credits. There is a lot more becoming a police officer than 10 years ago.

“As we see, such as with mental health, de-escalation techniques and working with diverse populations, we need to add more and more training for our officers,” Dean said.

Applicants also have to pass a background check, along with physical requirements to be accepted into the program.

Visit the Western Tech here for more info.