Introduction
Are you interested in becoming a law enforcement officer? Have you noticed that most agencies are looking for certified or certifiable applicants? Without these credentials it is often difficult to obtain law enforcement employment. Let us help you develop the qualifications that will make a difference.
Law enforcement agencies are reluctant to hire uncertified applicants because it costs thousands of dollars in salary and benefits, not to mention months of time, to send them to an academy for certification. By obtaining your academy training prior to employment, you will be able to offer employers the qualifications that others can’t. This will enable you to step right into an exciting career in law enforcement and start making a difference immediately.
Our law enforcement certification program has been in existence for over 30 years. Although we accept in-service candidates, we specialize in pre-service training. We are accredited by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety and meet all requirements for New Mexico Law Enforcement Officer Certification. Our instructors are highly qualified and have literally decades of real world police experience.
Graduates from our program are qualified to hold most positions that require New Mexico Law Enforcement Officer Certification. Examples are: municipal police and county sheriff’s departments, district attorney investigators, NM Motor Transportation Department, State Parks and Forestry enforcement and many others.
Accreditation
WNMU Law Enforcement Academy is accredited by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety and meets all requirements for New Mexico Law Enforcement Officer Certification. For law enforcement officer certificate state-by-state requirements, see National Conference of State Legislatures database
If you are interested in transferring your WNMU academy credits to another state, the standards vary significantly and individual agencies may adopt additional standards. It is recommended that you contact the agency you are considering directly as they may have additional requirements beyond those established by the State listed below and verify employment and certification eligibility. The attached file provides the electronic links to States with programs for hiring certified officers from another State.
Application Deadline
New Mexico Police Officer Certification
Each year, the Police Academy begins in the fall semester. We encourage the applicants to apply by July 31. With questions, please contact:
Director: Gil Najar
Email: najarg@wnmu.edu
Office #s: (575) 538-6288 / (575) 538-6266
Program Mission
The mission of the WNMU Law Enforcement Academy is to assist the profession of law enforcement by providing quality candidates for employment and thereby assisting agencies to become more efficient and effective in their role of administering criminal justice, maintaining order, and controlling crime in society. Our academy is certified as a regional satellite academy by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy (NMLEA). We prepare students for physical, skills-based, and academic training to pass the state certification test and produce police officers who meet the legislative requirements for licensure in New Mexico.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Understanding Legal Foundations: Students demonstrate skill in legal analysis to identify relevant legal concepts from court decisions related to constitutional rights, laws, and regulations applicable to law enforcement practices on the job. (Relates to WNMU ILG #2)
- Ethical Decision-Making: Students demonstrate ethical decision-making abilities in job-related enforcement practices, while adhering to professional standards and codes of conduct. (Relates to WNMU ILG #4)
- Crisis Management & Conflict Resolution: Students can utilize techniques to manage conflicts and de-escalate crisis situations with an emphasis on minimizing harm, injury, and ensuring public safety. (Relates to WNMU ILG #2)
- Effective Communication Skills: Students develop effective verbal and written communication skills necessary for interacting with diverse communities, preparing reports, and testifying in court. (Relates to WNMU ILG #6)
- Physical Fitness & Agility: Students develop physical fitness and agility proficiency to effectively handle physical challenges and perform law enforcement duties safely.
- Technical Skills and Use of Equipment: Students demonstrate the abilities to operate law enforcement equipment and technology effectively, including firearms, non-lethal devices, surveillance tools, and communication systems.
- Crime Investigation and Evidence Handling: Students acquire skills related to crime scene investigation, evidence collection, preservation, and documentation following proper legal and procedural protocols.
- Professional Accreditation & Licensure: Students demonstrate the ability to pass state certification test and receive their State of New Mexico license as police officers.
Degree Plan
Law Enforcement Training Certificate
View the Course Catalog website for more information.
Where Do I Start?
Start your application early!
Applicants should complete the process by July 31 each year.
The first step is to complete the university admission process. You can apply to WNMU here. Prior to acceptance into the Academy a passing score on the ACCUPLACER test (or appropriate remedial coursework) is required. Other steps in the application process include a DPS psychological exam, medical exam, and background.
WNMU also offers three degree programs that can be combined with your police certification training: an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Forestry/Wildlife (for students wishing to become conservation officers).
The Western New Mexico University Law Enforcement Academy is a full-time program structured around sixteen (16) functional areas. These areas, taught by licensed instructors and according to Department of Public Safety curriculum, furnish students the knowledge and practical skills needed to successfully serve their communities. Instructional areas range from the criminal justice system, law, investigations, patrol fitness, communications and traffic investigations to defensive tactics, use of firearms and police driving. Those meeting the minimum qualifications for attendance will find the Western New Mexico University Law Enforcement Academy a challenging, fun and satisfying start to a career in one of the most demanding fields in America.
Scholarship Information
The Voyager Scholarship (or The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service)
Who is eligible?
The Voyager Scholarship helps students pursuing careers in public service by providing access to travel and education. The scholarship is available to students who demonstrate financial needs and are starting their junior year in Fall 2022. Interested applicants must complete and submit an application through the online application system HERE. Applications are due by June 14, 2022 at 3:00 PM Central Time. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Accepted students will be notified in August.
How is public service defined?
Public service is loosely defined as “careers in government, non-profit, or the private sector, ranging from school teachers, community organizers, social workers, entrepreneurs with ideas for socially impactful businesses, journalism, arts, and design — a range of fields through which people are committed to creating a more connected, just, and equitable world.”
If you think you may be eligible, check out the application page at https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/obama-chesky-scholarship/
With the New Mexico Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships, there are options for New Mexico residents of all ages to pursue college and career training tuition-free. Check out the Reach Higher New Mexico page for more details.
There are lots of scholarship opportunities available. For more information, check out the WNMU Foundation Scholarships page.
Next Steps
Visit the Office of Admissions and Recruitment website and submit your application today!
See the entrance requirements and procedures information on the Application Process page.
Our tuition and fees are among the lowest in the region. Check out our Student Costs page and learn how you can afford your education.
Take a look at our Law Enforcement Training Certificate degree plan and see what is needed for program entry and completion.
For more information, please contact:
Gil Najar, Director
WNMU Police Academy
Phelps Dodge 238
575-538-6266
575-519-2789
najarg@wnmu.edu
Related Sites
WNMU Degrees in Criminal Justice
NMDPS Law Enforcement Academy