Program Description
Code 286 - 69-71 Credits
Public safety combines the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer and a firefighter. Primary duties include the prevention, suppression, and investigation of fires, providing the first response in medical emergencies, and protecting life and property through the enforcement of laws.
The requirements to obtain this degree require the applicant to have successfully completed a Michigan Fire Fighter Training Council (MFFTC) approved Fire Fighter I & II course; complete the required general education courses, and successfully gain admittance into the police academy.
Upon completing the police academy, the candidate must then pass the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification examination. A passing score on the examination acknowledges that the candidate is “certifiable.” After becoming certified, the candidate will then have one year to obtain employment with a law enforcement agency within the State of Michigan. It is the hiring agency’s responsibility to activate the candidate’s certification, thus certifying them as a Licensed Law Enforcement Officer. The pre-service recruit who does not obtain employment within the designated time frame qualifies for MCOLES Recognition of Prior Training and Experience (RPTE) Program. Passing the RPTE adds an additional year for the pre-service candidate to become licensed.
This curriculum leads to an Associate of Applied Science and is designed for career entry and/or advancement.
Service-Learning Requirement
Students who obtain an Associate degree or an Associate of Applied Science degree will be required to complete a service-learning experience. The final grade in the course must qualify for academic credit in order to receive the service-learning endorsement. Please contact an Academic Advisor for courses that offer a service-learning experience, or search in the class schedules.
Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards
The Kellogg Community College Police Academy is an approved pre-service training academy by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) www.michigan.gov/mcoles.
Fire Fighter I and II Certification
Students who are pursuing a degree in Public Safety must possess their State certification for Fire Fighter I and II. This certification can be obtained through any Michigan Fire Fighter Training Council approved course. Students may contact Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) if they are in need of Fire Fighter I and II certification. The contact number for KVCC is 269-488-4202 or visit the KVCC website at www.kvcc.edu.
Students who already possess Fire Fighter I and II certification through the Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council do not need to retake the course. Students must provide the Criminal Justice Manager proof of completion prior to taking the certification to the Registrar’s Office. Fire Fighter I & II will transfer in as 12 credit hours.
Admissions
Students begin this program of study with two (2) semester of general education courses. The final two semesters of the degree program are the Police Academy. Admission to the Police Academy is governed by state law. Applications are available beginning the first week of March. Students are responsible for the cost of the application process (approximately $300). Each academy has limited capacity. Applications are due by the last Friday in July unless an insufficient number of applications are received and seats remain to be filled. Police Academy students are required to purchase and wear uniform clothing. They must adhere to rules of behavior above and beyond the student code and achieve state-mandated attendance and grade requirements.
Application materials can be found here: https://kellogg.edu/academics/areas-of-study/social-sciences-human-services-criminal-justice/publicsafety/.
