actually happens.
RATE Students who are employed within 6 months of graduation
Law Enforcement
Lake Area Tech’s Law Enforcement program prepares you for work that requires judgment, awareness, and the ability to act when it counts. This 18-month program is built around how law enforcement actually operates, not just how it’s described.
Students train across core areas including Constitutional and Criminal Law, investigations, crime scene evidence, juvenile justice, patrol procedures, firearms, arrest techniques, emergency vehicle operations, and first response. You’ll also learn how local, state, tribal, and federal agencies work together, and what your role looks like within that system.
The goal is straightforward: graduate students who are ready to step into roles such as police officer, sheriff’s deputy, corrections officer, investigator, or other public safety positions with a clear understanding of the responsibility that comes with the work.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Professional Licensure Disclosures
Program curriculum aligns with requirements for law enforcement training and certification. Students are encouraged to review licensure requirements based on the state in which they plan to work. Read more here regarding Professional Licensure Disclosures.
Law Enforcement Virtual Academy
For currently serving officers, Lake Area Tech offers a Virtual Academy pathway to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Law Enforcement in as little as nine months. This option is designed to fit around active duty schedules, with a mix of online and on-campus or hybrid coursework.
Developed in partnership with the South Dakota Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission and law enforcement agencies across the state, the program recognizes prior training and experience.
How the Virtual Academy Works
Coursework completed through the South Dakota Law Enforcement Academy is applied as prior learning experience (PLE), allowing eligible officers to bypass equivalent coursework. Applicants must have completed the academy within the past five years, or be reviewed on a case-by-case basis if outside that window.
Admission to the virtual Academy
Applicants must meet Lake Area Tech admission requirements and submit an application, fee, transcripts, ACT scores (or complete placement testing), and proof of South Dakota Basic Officer Certification.
No Need to Relocate
Courses are offered in flexible formats, allowing students to complete requirements online or on campus. Some in-person sessions may be scheduled on weekends. Access to a computer is required for online coursework.
What Does It Cost?
Tuition is $124 per credit hour. Additional costs may include books, uniforms, and related expenses.
Law Enforcement Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate mastery of Law Enforcement principles, ideals, and skills.
- Perform their duties in an ethical and professional manner with the highest regard for the United States Constitution and the rights of others.
- Apply critical thinking, problem solving, judgment, and decision-making to combat crime and the fear of crime.
- Identify and comprehend elements of a crime.
- Demonstrate courage and safety skills appropriate for law enforcement.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills required for state certification and employment as a law enforcement professional.
- Demonstrate and practice a professional appearance and demeanor.
- Demonstrate team building, interpersonal, and communication skills as appropriate for employees in a Law Enforcement work setting.
- Present information (orally and in writing) in a logical manner, chronologically and/or systematically, summarizing pertinent facts, elements, and findings relevant to an incident, event, encounter, or circumstance.
- Build, maintain, and sustain relationships with agency and community members through effective, efficient, and open channels of communication.
LATC Law Enforcement Admissions Guide
In order to be considered for acceptance to the Law Enforcement program at Lake Area Technical College, the following steps must be completed.
Step 1: Application Submission
- Apply online.
- Pay $25 non-refundable application fee.
- Submit a copy of your high school transcript or GED.
- Submit ACT/ACCUPLACER or Smarter Balance test scores. If you have test scores please send to admissions@lakeareatech.edu and if you don’t and need to schedule for Accuplacer please send to testing@lakeareatech.edu.
NOTE: Once academic requirements have been met, proceed with the following steps:
Step 2: Campus Visit and Interview with Law Enforcement Faculty
Upon completing admissions file you will be invited to campus to meet with the program faculty
and participate in an interview. This must be completed within 30 days of submitting the
application and prior to acceptance. Contact Law Enforcement Program Supervisor Chad Stahl to
schedule your interview at Chad.Stahl@lakeareatech.edu.
Step 3: Formal Acceptance Letter Sent
Following the campus visit and interview a final review of your application materials will take
place. Acceptance letters will be sent to all students meeting admissions requirements.
Step 4: Attend New Student Orientation Day
Attend New Student Orientation Day in the summer with all incoming first year students.
Invitations will be sent.
Step 5: Submit Supplemental Materials*
- Criminal Background Check • Every Law Enforcement student will be required to complete a criminal background check. The background check needs to be completed prior to attending. The background check will be conducted through Castle Branch, a screening and compliance tracking company. Go to: https://mycb.castlebranch.com.
- *Cost is $50. Results will be sent directly to Lake Area Technical College. (Please note: Results may affect your ability to continue the program.)
- Medical Verification of Physical Ability Form (completed and signed by a physician). Make sure you keep a hard copy of the form.
- Drug Test Completed at Sanford Clinic:
- Watertown 901 4th St NW Watertown, SD 57201, 605.886.8471
- *Cost is $38. Results will be sent to Lake Area Technical College.
- If you do not want to test in Watertown, you may complete with a physician/facility of your choice. Must be at least a 7-panel drug test, and must be submitted to LATC. Make sure you keep a hard copy of your test results.
- Take M-PULSE
- Once on campus, we will assist to schedule a test time. The test takes 90-120 minutes to complete.
- *Cost is $40
*The supplemental materials and tests are at the student’s expense and required for the program.
Articulation AGREEMENTS:
- Mount Marty University Criminal Justice
- SDSU Criminology
- SDSU General Studies
- SDSU Interdisciplinary Studies
- SDSU Political Science
- SDSU Sociology
Hybrid Option
Hybrid programs combine online coursework with scheduled on-campus sessions. You'll complete part of your learning remotely and come to campus for labs, clinicals, or other hands-on experiences that require it. see if online learning is right for you.
Law Enforcement Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Law Enforcement degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Law Enforcement sector.
Police Officer
Graduates of the Law Enforcement program can pursue careers as Police Officers, serving and protecting their communities through crime prevention, public safety, and emergency response. In this role, you'll patrol assigned areas, respond to calls for service, investigate incidents, and build positive relationships with community members. It's an excellent career path for individuals who are committed to public service and making a difference in the lives of others.
Where you might work:
• Municipal police departments
• Campus police agencies
• Transit and transportation authorities
• School district police departments
• Specialized law enforcement units
County Sheriff’s Deputy
As a County Sheriff’s Deputy, you'll help maintain public safety across both urban and rural communities. Graduates can expect to patrol county roads, respond to emergencies, assist with criminal investigations, provide courthouse security, and support correctional operations when needed. This role offers a diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities to serve the public.
Where you might work:
• County sheriff's offices
• County detention facilities
• Courthouse security divisions
• Rural law enforcement agencies
• Multi-jurisdictional task forces
Tribal Police Officer
Tribal Police Officers serve Native American communities by enforcing laws, protecting public safety, and building trust with tribal members. In this role, you'll respond to emergencies, investigate incidents, support community policing initiatives, and help preserve the safety and well-being of the communities you serve. This career combines law enforcement responsibilities with a strong focus on community engagement.
Where you might work:
• Tribal law enforcement agencies
• Tribal public safety departments
• Reservation communities
• Tribal government organizations
• Federal and tribal cooperative task forces
State Highway Patrol Officer
As a State Highway Patrol Officer, you'll focus on traffic safety, roadway enforcement, and emergency response across state highways and transportation corridors. Graduates can expect to enforce traffic laws, investigate crashes, assist stranded motorists, and respond to emergencies while helping ensure safe travel for the public. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy independence, responsibility, and serving communities across a broad geographic area.
Where you might work:
• State highway patrol agencies
• State public safety departments
• Traffic enforcement divisions
• Commercial vehicle enforcement units
• Emergency response and transportation safety agencies
Degree Pairings
Explore relevant classes and certificates below to see how they can increase hirability post-graduation.
Law Enforcement+ Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones) Certificate
August start only.
There is a fast-growing demand for workers who can operate and maintain uncrewed aircraft systems in our region. The Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Drones) Certificate coursework will equip students with the necessary skills to be employed as uncrewed aerial system operators/pilots and technicians. Graduates will learn the laws and ethical procedures for operating Uncrewed Aerial Systems and will have the knowledge and skills to become a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificated Remote Pilot (Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate). Beginning fall 2025, Uncrewed Aerial Systems is an 18-credit, two-semester certificate delivered in a hybrid format with both online and on-campus components.
Law Enforcement+ Conservation Officer Certificate
Lake Area Tech worked closely with SD Game, Fish, and Parks in the creation of the Conservation Officer certificate to ensure LATC Law Enforcement graduates are prepared for success in the Conservation Law Enforcement field. This one-semester certificate is only offered during the summer semester and is only available to LATC Law Enforcement students and Certified Law Enforcement Officers. Students will receive hands-on training in topics including conservation and park laws/regulations, plant and wildlife identification, land management, and wildlife management. Students will also learn how to safely operate and maintain field-related equipment. As a stand-alone certificate, it is not financial aid-eligible. The cost of this 12-credit, on-campus certificate is $2,928.00.
Classes will be offered during the summers of 2025, 2026 and then every even-numbered year.
Classes begin May 27, 2025.
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.
"Lake Area Tech got me an internship at a federally owned and operated dam. Because of that, I landed a job where I can continue civil service doing what I love, being a hydro-power mechanic."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $10,050 |
| State Fees | $3,375 |
| Departmental Fee | $4,120 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,325 |
| Course Fees | $120 |
| Uniforms | $338 |
| Books | $1,000 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $22,518 |
We know that college is a significant investment in your future. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate. You can find these estimates and a semester breakdown in the PDF cost breakdown worksheet.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
| Tuition | $4,092 |
| State Fees | $1,419 |
| Departmental Fee | $1,650 |
| Campus Support Fee | $396 |
| Distance Fee | $1,551 |
| Books | $840 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $9,948 |
We know that college is a significant investment in your future. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate. You can find these estimates and a semester breakdown in the PDF cost breakdown worksheet.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
| Tuition | $11,658 |
| State Fees | $3,915 |
| Departmental Fee | $4,564 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,697 |
| Course Fees | $120 |
| Uniforms | $338 |
| Books | $1,000 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $25,482 |
We know that college is a significant investment in your future. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate. You can find these estimates and a semester breakdown in the PDF cost breakdown worksheet.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Law Enforcement FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
Is a law enforcement degree required before I can become a police officer?
A law enforcement degree is not universally required to become a police officer, but many agencies prefer or require postsecondary education. Completing Lake Area Tech’s Law Enforcement program builds foundational knowledge, practical skills, and competitive advantage for hiring and career advancement in law enforcement.
How does Lake Area Tech’s law enforcement program compare to others?
Lake Area Tech’s Law Enforcement program emphasizes hands-on training, real-world scenarios, and professional skills development in a smaller class environment. Students benefit from experienced instructors, active partnerships with local agencies, and curriculum aligned with best practices in criminal justice and public safety. This combination prepares graduates for successful entry into law enforcement careers.
What hands-on training do law enforcement students receive at Lake Area Tech?
Students engage in practical, scenario-based training, including defensive tactics, patrol operations, arrest procedures, traffic stops, report writing, and crime scene processing. The program incorporates realistic simulations and exercises that reflect real law enforcement work, helping students build confidence and competence before entering the field.
What are the admission requirements for the law enforcement program?
Applicants must complete Lake Area Tech’s general admissions process and meet program‑specific criteria outlined on the Law Enforcement program page. Requirements typically include submitting academic transcripts, meeting GPA or placement standards, and completing any required application materials by the stated deadline.
How long does the Lake Area Tech law enforcement program take to complete?
Lake Area Technical College’s Law Enforcement program is designed to be completed in about 20 months through a structured schedule of classroom instruction, skills labs, and practical exercises that prepare students for careers in law enforcement and public safety.
Law Enforcement Staff
Field-tested. Student-ready. Our esteemed staff is prepared to walk with you through every step of your collegiate career.
