Peace Officer Admission Requirements

A.S. and A.A.S. Degree applicants

To be considered for acceptance into the A.S. Degree, A.A.S. Degree, or Skills certificate programs, individuals are required to complete and submit the following P.O.S.T.-mandated items. Every individual must complete the following prior to the start of classes:

1. Submit a FREE Online Application for general admission to Minnesota West.
2. Submit the Peace Officer Program Application.
   1. All new students are required to take the Accuplacer placement test before registering for classes. If you have previous college coursework or have taken an ACT, SAT, MCA, or Accuplacer and have a qualifying high school GPA, you may not need to take the Accuplacer Assessment. Please submit any previous placement test results along with high school and college transcripts, and connect with trisha.heidebrink@mnwest.edu 
3. Connect with Trisha Heidebrink to schedule an in-person interview with the Peace Officer Program Coordinator. 
   1. Submit a criminal history record report (public and private data) from the Minnesota BCA or from the lead state law enforcement agency in your state of legal residence. The form must be notarized, and a $15.00 fee must be paid to the MN BCA by the student.  Please bring a check or money order for $15.00 made out to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to your interview with the coordinator, and we will assist you in completing this step.
   2. Psychological Evaluation – The Minnesota West Peace Officer Program has contracted with Dr. Bajema at Avera Medical Group University Psychiatry Associates to perform the pre-employment psychological and racial bias evaluation required for peace officers per Minnesota Rules, Chapter 6700.0700, Subpart 1. This is an additional fee of $350 paid directly to Avera Medical Group by the student.  We will help you schedule this appointment at your interview with the Peace Officer Program Coordinator.
4. Read and submit Peace Officer Program paperwork 
   1. Minimum Selection Standards Affirmation.
   2. Physical Fitness Test
   3. State Vehicle Use Agreement and Consent Form
5. Schedule a physical exam with your physician. Have the physician complete this physical form.

Additional paperwork that will need to be completed:

• Complete the MMPI-2 test (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2). This process is set up through the Southwestern Mental Health Center and will be set up during the first semester of classes.

Peace Officer Handbook

Skills Applicants

Students are required to complete and submit the following POST mandated items prior to being accepted into the Skills Certificate program. Every individual must complete the following prior to the start of classes:

1. Submit a FREE Online Application for general admission to Minnesota West.
2. Submit the Peace Officer Program Skills Application.
3. Submit your transcript and PPOE paperwork to Minnesota West.
4. Schedule a physical exam with your physician. Have the physician complete this physical form.

Admissions Confirmation
Upon completion receipt of all forms and documents, your file will be reviewed for admission to the Peace Officer Program at Minnesota West. If you are accepted into the Peace Officer Program, you will be sent a letter of confirmation. If you are not accepted, you will be sent a letter with an explanation.

Back to the Peace Officer Program