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Lake Campus Unveils New Program |
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Friday, 17 April 2009 |
By KATIE YANTIS
Staff Writer
CELINA — Students at the Wright State University Lake Campus now have the opportunity to take advantage of a criminal justice degree or participate in the Grand Lake Law Enforcement Academy, which is set to begin in the fall.
“Nearly seven years ago plans began for the academy,” Grand Lake Police Academy Commander Kip Wright said. “The purpose was to provide accessible and affordable training.”
The academy, set to begin in the fall, will allow those wishing to pursue a career in law enforcement to have a step in the right direction to be hired by an entity and is compliant with the standards set forth by the state of Ohio and by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.
“We were elated when we got the go-ahead in February,” Wright said. “I hope the passion shows because we are excited about it.”
One aspect of the academy Wright pointed out was upon completion of the academy, those wishing to obtain a degree can leave the academy with 24 credit hours that will be counted toward a degree.
The academy will cost $2,600, plus a $200 lab fee. Wright said there are individuals who have already started applying for the academy.
Those wishing to apply must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, be 18-years-old or older, not have a felony conviction or domestic violence conviction and have a valid operator’s license.
The application deadline is July 15 and the non-refundable tuition is due Aug. 3.
Wright encouraged individuals interested in the academy to sign up now to participate in the fall.
“I’m a firm believer there will be more positions open when the economy turns around,” Wright said. “Things will straighten themselves out and there will be jobs.”
Criminal Justice professor Jim Steinberg announced the opportunity for students to gain a four-year degree in the form of a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice.
“We are really delighted to have both here at the lake campus,” Steinberg said.
Assistant Professor Dennis Bulen said the academy and the four-year degree are positive additions to the Lake Campus.
“It (four-year degree) will positively affect the academy side,” Bulen said. “We will have students come into the academy finish and we will have those who finish the degree and roll into the academy.”
Bulen said the two programs will work with each other to help those who are seeking further training and education.
“The academy is good for the academic side and the academic side will be very good for the academy,” Bulen said.
Director of Law Enforcement for the Ohio Attorney General John Lenhart congratulated the administration at Wright State Lake Campus for taking the steps to advance training and education in the criminal justice and law enforcement areas.
“I bring you congratulations, you are on the right track,” Lenhart said.
Lenhart discussed the history of law enforcement and where it has progressed to. He applauded Wright State for partnering with officials in Indiana to learn about Indiana law.
“Crime doesn’t stop at the city lines, county lines, state lines or as we have found out national lines,” Lenhart said.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 29 April 2009 )
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