Peace Officer Program Reaccreditated
March 9, 2022
Ridgewater College is proud to announce that its Peace Officer program recently received reaccreditation from the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
The accreditation process requires nearly a year of intensive evaluation of courses, curriculum, and processes of the two-year associate of applied science degree formerly known as Law Enforcement. The new accreditation status is valid through the year 2025.
“One of the major strengths of the program is our delivery model,” said Jeff Miller, Ridgewater dean of instruction. “Our program is delivered online and in a blended model for the best of both worlds. Fully online allows people who are place-bound to enroll online without having to relocate and provides people who currently work in other industry sectors the opportunity to enroll in higher education.” Ridgewater also offers it as a blended option for those wanting the combined online plus on-campus experience in Willmar.
The accreditation process also helps colleges implement recent changes to the POST learning outcomes and Minnesota State’s requirements for Peace Officer programs. Miller added, “Ridgewater College’s program has a rich history of providing students content in racial and cultural minorities, cognitive ability levels, and mental health. We continue to include anti-racism content, social and emotional intelligence, and working with traditionally marginalized people and communities.”
Peace Officer instructor Kyle Larson said he is happy with how well the process went. “When potential students come to Ridgewater College, this accreditation is evidence that they will receive a great educational foundation here. We start them on a solid path for getting hired for a rewarding career as a Minnesota peace officer.” Ridgewater’s faculty members continue to practice in their fields of expertise to bring real-time experiences to the Peace Officer students.
In addition to offering the Peace Officer AAS Degree, Ridgewater also offers Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice transfer pathways for the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. Programs are available fully online with some on-campus courses available.
For more information, go to ridgewater.edu/peaceofficer or ridgewater.edu/pathways.
