<h4><strong>Pair create new career pathway for law enforcement officers

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<strong>From staff reports</strong>

The S.C. Technical College System and the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy announced March 2 a partnership that provides a new career pathway for law enforcement.

This pathway is designed to address the industry’s current workforce shortage and enhance the policing profession overall. With the aid of the Lottery Tuition Assistance program and the S.C. WINS Scholarship program, tuition for the new pathway will be covered for participating students.

The new Police Pre-Academy Training Certificate provides a simple path to becoming a law enforcement officer. Candidates first apply to one of the state’s 16 technical colleges and complete the 14-week certificate program. Over the 14 weeks, candidates will learn basic and introductory law enforcement training, tactics, and procedures.

In total, they will complete four courses totaling 12 credit hours that can apply toward the 66 credits required to earn an associate degree should candidates decide to further their studies.

Next, candidates secure employment with a South Carolina law enforcement agency within one year. Once employment is secured, candidates must pass a cumulative exam and physical assessment test administered by the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy.

If candidates pass the exam and physical assessment test, they complete an eight-week training program at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in Columbia.

Once these steps are complete, candidates are ready to begin their career as a certified law enforcement officer in South Carolina.

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