The academy, successfully held three times downstate at Monroe Community College, aims to provide selected participants ages 16 to 21 with a comprehensive look at careers in criminal justice.

This year’s local event, which began Monday and wraps up on Friday, is the product of a collaboration of individuals from ACC, MSP, and various local law enforcement agencies.

“We started planning this back in September,” Rob Mills, director of criminal justice at ACC, said. “The college was fully on board, as were MSP recruiting and selection. Our goal was to give participants an accurate picture of the different positions available in criminal justice — not just being a trooper, but also roles in dispatch, forensics, federal and local agencies.”

Seventh District Recruiter Trooper Taylor Jukanovich, who serves several counties in Northern Michigan and is helping run the event, emphasized the importance of community collaboration.

News Photo by Temi Fadayomi Participants in the Michigan State Police Law Enforcement Career Academy are seen in various classes on Tuesday.

“We have the local sheriff’s department, city police, city fire, and the (Michigan Department of Natural Resources) all assisting us,” she said. “We want the participants to interact with law enforcement officers they might see in their community, fostering positive interactions.”

Throughout the event, participants engage with professionals from multiple agencies, gaining insights into various facets of law enforcement. They attend classes on criminal law, forensics, evidence collection, and defensive tactics. Additionally, practical sessions such as patrols and first aid are included to provide hands-on experience.

“The students were split into squads, each led by cadets already employed with the state police or other natural leaders,” Jukanovich said. “This structure helped manage the group and ensured everyone got a thorough understanding of each role.”

Beyond law enforcement topics, the academy also included sessions on mental fitness, recognizing the importance of this skill post-COVID-19.

“The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, particularly about the mental fitness component,” Mills said. “It’s a life skill that’s valuable no matter what career path they choose.”

Courtesy Photo All 18 of the participants of the Michigan State Police Law Enforcement Career Academy are seen in this undated courtesy photo.

Participants also had opportunities to visit local law enforcement facilities, such as the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office and the public safety building, providing a real-world context for their learning.

Another unique aspect of the academy is its live-in setup, with students staying in college dorms to encourage better participation and allow a more immersive experience for the selected participants.

The selection process for the academy involves outreach at college fairs and career nights, with the college leveraging its partnerships with over 30 high schools.

Applicants were asked to submit handwritten essays explaining their interest in the criminal justice field and their expectations for the academy. This process helped the organizers tailor the curriculum to meet the participants’ aspirations and needs.

“We had an overwhelming response,” Mills said. “Originally, we had about 34 applicants, which we narrowed down due to scheduling conflicts. Ultimately, we had 18 dedicated participants.”

News Photo by Temi Fadayomi Participants in the Michigan State Police Law Enforcement Career Academy are seen in various classes on Tuesday.

Both Mills and Jukanovich expressed their intention for the academy to become an annual event in Alpena.

“We aim to improve our advertising efforts and get more community involvement next time,” Mills said.

“Every law enforcement agency is in need of recruits, from the state police to local fire departments,” Jukanovich said. “We want to attract as many candidates as possible and help them see the value in public service.”

Temi Fadayomi can be reached at 989-358-5693 or tfadayomi@thealpenanews.com.

News Photo by Temi Fadayomi Participants in the Michigan State Police Law Enforcement Career Academy are seen in various classes on Tuesday.

News Photo by Temi Fadayomi Participants in the Michigan State Police Law Enforcement Career Academy are seen in various classes on Tuesday.