The West Fargo Police Department has partnered with Lake Region State College to host another Peace Officer Academy beginning Tuesday, May 16, 2023 in West Fargo. The Peace Officer Training Program (POTP) allows an individual to become a licensed peace officer in North Dakota. The program has nearly a 100 percent employment rate for graduates who pursue positions as full-time police officers in North Dakota. 

“We are excited to once again partner with Lake Region State College to offer another academy locally in West Fargo,” said West Fargo Police Chief Denis Otterness. “This academy is a great opportunity to recruit and retain qualified individuals who can fill vacant positions 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 various 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 Monday, May 1 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.