How Long is Police Academy in Missouri?
Are you interested in becoming a law enforcement officer in the state of Missouri? The first step to achieve this goal is to complete a police academy training program. But how long does it take to complete a police academy in Missouri? Typically, a police academy training program in Missouri can take anywhere from 12 to 24 weeks to complete.
In this article, we’ll explore the details of the police academy training program in Missouri, including the typical length of the program, what to expect during your training, and the minimum requirements to become a licensed peace officer in the state.
Minimum Requirements
To become a licensed peace officer in Missouri, you must meet the minimum requirements set by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. These requirements include:
- Being at least 21 years of age
- Being a U.S. citizen
- Being a high school graduate or having a certified equivalent
- Passing a written exam and a background investigation
- Completing a training program approved by the Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)
Police Academy Training
Once you’ve met the minimum requirements, you’ll need to complete a training program approved by the Missouri POST. These programs can be offered by the following entities:
- Municipal and county police departments
- The Missouri State Highway Patrol
- Private training facilities
Length of Police Academy Training
The length of the police academy training program in Missouri can vary depending on the entity offering the training. However, most programs typically last for 12 to 24 weeks, with some programs being longer or shorter in duration.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical training curriculum and duration for some of the police academy programs in Missouri:
Duration | Curriculum |
---|---|
12 weeks | General topics include: |
* Constitutional law
+ Search and seizure
+ Use of force
+ Traffic law and procedures
+ Handcuffing and transporting arrestees
+ Radio and telephone procedures
|
| 16 weeks | In addition to the above topics, students also learn:
+ Firearms training and qualifying
+ Taser training and qualifying
+ Defensive tactics training
+ First aid and emergency medical response
|
| 20-24 weeks | All topics covered in the 16-week program, plus additional training in:
+ Patrol techniques
+ Investigative techniques
+ Interrogation techniques
+ Emergency vehicle operations course
+ Crisis response training
What to Expect During Your Training
During your police academy training, you can expect a combination of classroom instruction, scenario training, and scenario simulations. You’ll be trained on a variety of topics, including:
Use of force policies: Students learn about Missouri’s use of force laws and how to apply these policies in various situations.
Firearms and taser training: You’ll learn how to safely and effectively use handguns, rifles, and TASER devices.
Defensive tactics: Training focuses on hand-to-hand combat techniques and scenarios, such as defending yourself against multiple attackers.
- Investigative techniques: You’ll learn how to collect and preserve evidence, conduct interviews, and compile reports.
How to Get Started
To become a licensed peace officer in Missouri, follow these steps:
- Meet the minimum requirements: Ensure you meet the age, citizenship, high school graduation, and certification requirements.
- Apply for a police department or academy: Research local police departments or training academies and submit an application for employment or admission to the program.
- Pass the written exam and background investigation: Most departments require applicants to take a written exam and pass a background investigation as part of the hiring process.
In conclusion, the police academy training program in Missouri typically lasts for 12 to 24 weeks, with the minimum requirements for admission being at least 21 years of age, being a U.S. citizen, and having a high school diploma or certified equivalent. Understanding the length of the training program and the topics covered can help prepare you for a successful and fulfilling career as a licensed peace officer in Missouri.