LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY

Age & Citizenship Requirements

 

Anyone interested in attending the Mineral Area College Law Enforcement Academy must meet the following age and citizenship requirements:

 

• Must be at least 18 years of age;

• A recruit cannot test for P.O.S.T. licensure in the State of Missouri until they reach their 21st birthday.

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

 

Educational Requirements

 

Recruits must meet specific academic standards to be admitted into the academy:

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• High School Diploma or GED:
  Recruits must have one of the following:

  • A high school diploma from an attendance-based, accredited school (not online or computer-based programs)

  • An equivalent GED certificate

• Accreditation for Non-Public High Schools:
  Graduates of non-public high schools must provide documentation showing the school’s accreditation by the Department of Education in their state. If the school was not accredited, a GED certificate must be submitted.

• College Placement Tests:
  Recruits must pass one of the following:

  • ACCUPLACER: Minimum score of 31 in Writing

  • ACT: Minimum score of 14 in English

• If the required scores are not met, completion of Basic Writing Skills II is required.

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For information on GED programs or testing locations, contact the Assessment Office at (573) 518-2202.

 

Criminal History Requirements

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Anyone interested in attending the Mineral Area College Law Enforcement Academy must meet the following Criminal History requirements:

• Possess a valid Missouri driver’s license;

• Have not received a DWI or related arrest within the last 3 years or

• Have not received more than two (2) DWIs within the past ten years;

• Have no drug or related arrest in the last three years; and

• Not be under any Full Order of Protection where you are the respondent.

• Have never been convicted of ANY felony;

• Have never been convicted of an offense above the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the past ten years but

• The Academy MAY approve the application of a person who was convicted of a Class B misdemeanor at least five (5) years before application if the individual sufficiently demonstrates in writing with supporting documentation that mitigating circumstances exist with the case and the individual applying for licensure and that the public interest would be served by reducing the waiting period;

• Have never been convicted of any Domestic Violence offense;

• Is not prohibited by state or federal law from operating a motor vehicle;

• Is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition;

• Have been subjected to a background investigation and interviewed by academy staff if warranted.

• Is not currently on any Community Supervision/Probation for any offense.

 

Health Requirements and Drug Testing Policy:

 

Anyone interested in attending the Mineral Area College Law Enforcement Academy must meet the   following Physical requirements:

 

• Has been examined by a licensed Physician who is licensed to practice medicine in the State of Missouri;

• The physician must be familiar with the duties appropriate to the type of license sought and training to be attended;

• The recruit must be declared in writing by that professional within ninety (90) days before the scheduled beginning date of the academy.

• ALL potential recruits will be drug tested periodically during the testing period and throughout the academy. A positive drug test will result in immediate dismissal from the program.

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Tattoos and Appearance Guidelines: 

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Visible tattoos or brands must follow these guidelines:

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• Neck and Arms: No tattoos below the wrist or visible above the collar of the academy polo shirt.

• Hands: One ring tattoo per hand (on fingers only) is allowed.

• Content Restrictions: Tattoos promoting racism, violence, discrimination, or indecent material are prohibited.

Exceptions to this rule may be made on a case-by-case basis by the Director.

 

Military Service:

 

For recruits with military backgrounds, the following discharge conditions are not permitted:

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• Other Than Honorable

• Bad Conduct

• Dishonorable

• Any discharge indicating bad character

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS & SELECTION PROCESS

 

Our goal is to admit individuals who demonstrate the physical ability, academic proficiency, and moral character necessary to complete the academy and contribute effectively to law enforcement. We ensure that those selected are fully prepared for the demands of the profession. Admission to the academy is based on state law requirements and our experience with police recruits. The selection process ensures that recruits possess the necessary fitness, academic, and psychological readiness to succeed. Each recruit must meet or exceed the standards outlined in the physical fitness and academic tests to gain entry.​

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Physical and Medical Requirements

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Recruits must meet the following physical and medical standards:

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• Medical Examination:
  Must be examined and declared physically fit by a Missouri-licensed physician familiar with law enforcement duties.

  • This certification must be within 90 days of the academy start date.

• Physical Fitness Test:
  Recruits will undergo a three-part physical fitness test, which includes:

  • Sit-ups: Minimum of 10 in 1 minute.

  • Push-ups: Minimum of 10 in 1 minute.

  • 1.5-mile run: Must complete within 20 minutes.

  • Tests are administered in sequence with rest periods in between. Failure in any part results in elimination from the program.

• Drug Testing Policy:

  • Recruits may be drug tested during the selection process and throughout the academy.

  • A positive drug test will result in immediate dismissal.​​​​​

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Psychological Requirements

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Recruits must take the following written psychological screening:

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• Psychological Aptitude Test (PAF):
  Recruits will be evaluated in five areas:

  • Racial Acuity

  • Use of Force

  • Flexibility

  • Maturity

  • Authority

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Any caution indicators may result in a follow-up interview to assess the recruit’s suitability.

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Fingerprint Requirements

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All recruits admitted to the Law Enforcement Academy are required to submit fingerprints for a background check. Detailed instructions on where and how to submit fingerprints will be provided in the acceptance packet, which is sent after successfully completing the initial testing phase. Any criminal or moral arrests/convictions will be reviewed by the Academy Director, who has the authority to deny entrance based on the nature of the offense.

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Nondiscriminatory Policy

 

The Mineral Area College Law Enforcement Academy admits students of any race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the Academy.  It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its training policies and other academy-administered programs.  Mineral Area College is committed to equal opportunity in employment and admissions.  Any inquiries or concerns about discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, ancestry, or veteran status may be directed to the Office of Human Resources, 5270 Flat River Rd., Park Hills, MO 63601.

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