The West Fargo Police Department has partnered with Lake Region State College to host a Peace Officer Academy beginning Tuesday, May 17, 2022 in West Fargo. The Peace Officer Training Program (POTP) allows an individual to become a licensed peace officer in the state of North Dakota. The program has nearly a 100 percent employment rate for graduates who pursue positions as full-time police officers in North Dakota. 

“Over the past year, we have worked with Lake Region State College to offer this academy in West Fargo,” said West Fargo Police Chief Denis Otterness. “By offering this certified law enforcement training, we are hoping to recruit and retain qualified individuals who can fill vacant positions both here in West Fargo and throughout the region."

The Peace Officer Academy is a 14-week rigorous training program. Students will complete physical fitness training every morning and classroom hours from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Instructors will cover a variety of topics ranging from crime scene processing to North Dakota criminal law.

Lake Region State College is the only college in the state authorized to deliver a North Dakota POST basic curriculum. Applications are due by Friday, May 6 and can be submitted online through Lake Region State College to qualify for college credit. The West Fargo Peace Officer Academy will be limited to 30 students.