Law Enforcement Academy

Why PCC?

The PCC Law Enforcement Academy provides an in-depth study of the three components of the criminal justice system—law enforcement, courts, and corrections—with special emphasis on criminology, substantive criminal law, procedural criminal law, and constitutional law. We place a strong emphasis on reading comprehension, written and verbal communication, and developing the cultural awareness and professionalism needed to serve diverse communities.

PCC Law Enforcement Academy students performing a training exercise with the use of APEX Officer.

Students also benefit from state-of-the-art training using APEX Officer, an immersive virtual reality training system that places them in realistic, scenario-based situations. This advanced technology allows students to practice critical thinking, communication, de-escalation, and decision-making skills in a safe, controlled environment before entering the field.

Local law enforcement agencies seek out PCC graduates because of the Academy's high standards. To successfully complete the program, students must maintain a minimum score of 80% on all examinations, with a program goal of 90% proficiency. This higher standard helps prepare graduates for success on the statewide Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification examination and for careers in law enforcement.

Our Pueblo Law Enforcement Academy instructors range in rank from street and patrol officers to command staff from local Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments. Our instructional team also includes professionals from the Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the U.S. Marshals Service, as well as a retired district attorney and a retired judge. All lead skills instructors meet or exceed POST requirements for instruction in their area of expertise. Their professional experience ranges from five to 45 years in the field.

All POST academies are required to provide the same curriculum and training throughout the state. We feel the leadership of our academy and the knowledge and experience of our instructional staff put us a step ahead of other academies.

The Southwest Regional Law Enforcement Academy in Mancos includes 30 instructors who are active police officers representing nine local agencies in the southwest region of Colorado. Currently, instructors range in rank from street officers to chiefs of police. All lead skills instructors meet or exceed POST requirements for instruction in their skills area. Instructors' experience ranges from three to 35 years in the field.

The location of the Southwest Campus allows the academy to be housed in a building designated for use by law enforcement. The Colorado State Patrol occupies an office within the building, allowing students direct exposure to active duty officers. In addition, the campus recently renovated its gym with new equipment to enhance the physical fitness program requirements.  

Two law enforcement academy students conduct a simulated vehicle stop during a tactical training exercise inside a training facility, using flashlights to assess a white patrol car in a low-light scenario.

What will I learn?

Training includes, but is not limited to, criminal process, judicial process, Colorado Criminal Code, patrol and investigation techniques, firearms, driving and arrest control. You also will be exposed to scenario-based training where you apply what you have learned to specific situations.

Upon completion of the program, you will have the basic foundation of knowledge to successfully complete the statewide POST exam. POST curriculum requires 554 hours of specified training. Our academy offers 636 hours with most of the extra hours dedicated to teaching officer safety and high-liability skills such as firearms, driving and arrest control.

Learn more about the knowledge and skills you'll gain in the Law Enforcement Academy.

Program Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Pueblo Law Enforcement Academy, applicants must first apply to and be accepted by Pueblo Community College. They must then complete the Academy application, participate in an interview with Academy staff, successfully complete a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) criminal background check, and pass a drug screening. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply; however, because most law enforcement agencies require officers to be 21 years old at the time of hire, applying at age 20 is recommended.

 

Marijuana Policy

THC (marijuana) is part of the required 10-panel drug screen prior to admittance into any Health Professions or Public Safety program at PCC. The passage of Amendment 64 in the State of Colorado, does not overrule Federal law, which states this is still an illegal substance. Students testing positive for THC (marijuana, including prescription marijuana) will not be allowed entrance or re-entrance into a Health or Public Safety program.

Degree & Certificate Offerings in Law Enforcement:

Program Information

Location
Pueblo Campus
Mancos Campus
Pathway
Public Safety & Fire Science
Awards
Certificate, AAS
Course Availability
Day
Program Start
Fall, Spring

Contact

Pueblo
Leroy Mora
Medical Technology Building
Room 172 C
719-549-3377

Administrative Assistant
Stefana Adcock
719-549-3325

Southwest
Lawrence Hilton, Coordinator
33057 Highway 160
Mancos, CO 81328
970-564-6202