Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy
Technical Diploma
22 Credits | 720 Hours
Financial Aid-Eligible
Rice Lake
Career Cluster: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
Basic Jail Officer Academy
This 200-hour Academy is designed for officers who are employed by a Correctional Department.
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
The Academy is available to prepare current law enforcement and civilian personnel for entry-level law enforcement positions in the State of Wisconsin.
Upcoming Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement 720 Academies available at the Northwood Tech Rice Lake Campus include:
- Full-Time Academy: June 2, 2025 – October 9, 2025 (Scheduled Monday – Friday)
- RSVP for the Physical Readiness Test: April 9 | April 23 | May 7
Application deadline is deadline is May 23, 2025
For more detailed information and admissions process, please click the link above.
- RSVP for the Physical Readiness Test: April 9 | April 23 | May 7
Program Overview
The Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement 720 Academy will provide students with the right skills to handle complex situations encountered as a Law Enforcement Officer at municipal, county, or state government levels.
To become eligible to work as an officer in the State of Wisconsin, the student must have basic policing skills. The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s (WisDOJ) Law Enforcement Standards Board has established criteria. Admission is restricted to those who qualify under WisDOJ administrative rules. Upon completing the Academy, the student becomes certifiable for a period of three years from the date of completion. This makes the student eligible for formal certification as a Basic Law Enforcement Officer upon hiring by a law enforcement agency.
Candidates for the Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement 720 Academy must undergo criminal history and traffic record checks and will be required to submit fingerprints and do drug screening. All non-sponsored candidates must participate in a personal screening interview and all candidates must pass a physical readiness test for entrance. See www.wilenet.widoj.gov for additional information from the Law Enforcement Standards Board.
Program Outcomes
Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement 720 Academy graduates will be able to:
- Think critically
- Manage emergencies
- Communicate effectively
- Demonstrate professionalism
- Conduct investigations
- Interact with others
- Demonstrate tactical skills
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
Upon completing the Academy, you will become certifiable for a period of three years from the date of completion, which makes you eligible for certification as a Law Enforcement Officer upon hiring by a law enforcement agency.
In-demand career.
Grads are employed in various industries.
Gain formal certification.
Academics
Law Enforcement 720 Academy is available at the Rice Lake campus.
Upon completing the academy, you will become certifiable for a three-year period from the date of completion, which makes you eligible for certification as a Law Enforcement Officer upon hiring by a law enforcement agency.
Experienced Instructors
You'll learn from industry-respected instructors who have years of experience in the field.
Real World Scenarios
Students are provided hands-on assessments through various training scenarios.
Part-Time Option
A part-time Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement 720 Academy may tentatively be offered in the future. If interested, please contact Jen Ruid, Email Jen, 715.788.7060.
Required Courses
This program is comprised of overview, principle and application courses in the field of law enforcement.
Featured Criminal Justice Academy Courses
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships.
Learn More About Paying for College
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement 720 Academy
22 Credits | 720 Hours
$5,000*
*Books are included in the tuition cost for the academy. Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms.
After the Northwood Tech Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement 720 Academy Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement 720 technical diploma and become certifiable for a period of three years from the date of completion. This makes the student eligible for certification as a Law Enforcement Officer upon hiring by a law enforcement agency.
_260x148_FY25.jpg?no-cache=1737745687659)
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
_260x148_FY25.jpg?no-cache=1737745711297)
Professional Licensure and/or Certification Information
The Northwood Tech Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement 720 Academy adheres to the uniform student performance objectives as established by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Bureau of Training and Standards. The program is certified by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. The program is designed to prepare students to meet the educational requirements for licensure to be employed/practice in the state of Wisconsin. Northwood Tech does not guarantee its required courses meet the requirements for preparation, examinations, or licensure for states/territories other than Wisconsin. For determination whether this program meets the licensure requirements for other states or territories, please refer to the licensure and certification disclosure webpage. Students who may be seeking professional licensure or certification in states other than Wisconsin should contact the appropriate licensing board in that state/territory to verify that the Northwood Tech program meets licensure or certification requirements. To be eligible for testing and/or licensing in the state of Wisconsin, you may be required to obtain a social security number.
Out-of-State applicants sign a Professional Licensure Disclosure Form.
Basic Jail Officer Academy
This 200-hour Academy is designed for officers who are employed by a Correctional Department.
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
