May 30, 2024
“When people don’t know what to do, they call the police,” says Dave Sabuda, Delta College Police Academy instructor. “I try to emphasize in my teaching, while you are there to enforce laws, you’re [also] there to serve and protect the community.”
The importance of a well-trained, well-rounded police officer could be the difference between a good day and a bad day on the job. Officers must take their education seriously and develop the critical skills to keep their communities, themselves and their partners safe. “I believe you should be learning something on the first day of your career, and you should learn something on the last day of your career,” says Sabuda. “That’s how you provide better services to your community.”
Students interested in a career in law enforcement should have integrity, an open mind and commitment to public service. Students can plan to sharpen skills in communication, observation and critical thinking among many others. “I think [students] should have an open mind and want to learn,” says Don Sprague, Delta College Police Academy instructor. “And like I teach, if you’re not dedicated, you’re not prepared to be in law enforcement.”
Why Choose Delta?
Small class sizes led by instructors currently working in or retired from decades-long law enforcement careers ensure a personalized experience for students. Building a strong foundation as they pursue their career pathways.
“The current officers on the road can give you very specific details, and you can relate to them,” says Megan Mahorney, Police Academy student. “I definitely think that was better. [The information] definitely clicked more coming from people that are on the road right now.”
Delta’s 17-week Police Academy was established in 1967 and has had 115 graduating classes of cadets. The program is approved by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). Cadets that complete the academy and pass the MCOLES State Examination are eligible for certification as law enforcement officers in Michigan. Cadets commit to nearly 800 hours of a combination of in-class instruction, scenario training, emergency vehicle operations, CPR, resume prep, job interviewing skills and much more.
Ready to get started?
The application is a multi-step process, so don’t delay! Late applicants are accepted to the academy on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions, contact Police Academy Coordinator, Mike Goodall at 989-686-9287 or Dawn Jurik at 989-686-9176.
Learn more
Watch the Police Academy video featuring current cadets and instructors in Delta’s program, or visit Delta’s Police Academy webpage for more information.
Related Public Safety Programs at Delta
- Corrections – Associate or Certificate
- Corrections Academy – Certificate
- Corrections with Jail Officer Academy – Certificate
- Criminal Justice Law Enforcement – Associate or Transfer
- Digital Forensics – Associate or Certificate
- Law Enforcement with Basic Police Training – Associate or Certificate
- Security Management – Associate or Certificate