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Peace Officer & Public Safety

Ready for a career in criminal justice and public safety? Discover how Hennepin Tech’s Peace Officer program prepares you for a role in law enforcement with top-notch training and education!

Hennepin Tech's Peace Officer Training program, certified by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST board), provides both the academic and skills training needed for law enforcement.

Hennepin Tech’s Peace Officer and Public Safety graduates are known for their knowledge and experience with diverse communities and the various populations within those communities, their strong tactical skills, and exceptional interpersonal communication and critical thinking skills.

We develop our police officer skills training and education programs with input from the community and stakeholders, focusing on addressing systemic and structural inequities. Our Peace Officer courses emphasize equity, evidence-based practices, and data-informed approaches. We train culturally competent peace officers who are ready to serve all people and communities with dignity and respect.

Students learn Minnesota statutes, the U.S. Constitution, criminal and traffic law, and develop skills needed for daily law enforcement. Our experienced faculty bring a wide range of law enforcement backgrounds to the classroom, preparing students to deliver justice effectively.

The coursework in this program includes student participation in simulated scenarios such as, but not limited to mental health, in-progress crimes, traffic stops and sexual assault.

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Skills Training

Learn from anywhere on your schedule so you can balance school, work, and life.
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Real-World Accounting Skills

Build skills in financial reporting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation that employers look for.
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Career-Ready Training

Graduate prepared for entry-level accounting jobs in business, non-profits, and government.
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Overview
Class Time Morning | Afternoon | Evening
Semester Fall | Spring | Summer
Campus Brooklyn Park
Awards

Peace Officer & Public Safety Associate of Science

Tuition & Learning

Planning your investment is easy. Our program provides comprehensive training that prepares you for immediate entry into your chosen field. Below you'll find detailed information about program costs and required materials.

Tuition Estimates by Award

Costs below apply to each specific award option:

Associates

Peace Officer & Public Safety
$21,523
Associate of Science
The tuition rate for 2025-2026 academic year is
$316.52 per credit

Scholarships & Savings

Ready to turn your dreams into reality? At Hennepin Tech, we believe that nothing should stand in the way of your education. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of paying for college, so you can focus on what really matters – your future.

FAFSA

Your key to financial aid. The first step to unlocking financial assistance for college is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing this form, you’ll qualify for a variety of federal grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study opportunities that can help offset the cost of tuition, books, and other expenses.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Don’t worry, our financial aid advisors are here to help, even if you have unique circumstances or are an undocumented individual.

Check out your first step to funding college

North Star Promise

If you’re a Minnesota resident who meets certain income criteria, you may also qualify for the North Star Promise, which provides additional financial support to cover the cost of tuition and fees. It’s another way we’re making college more accessible and affordable for students like you.

See if you qualify for free tuition

Foundation Scholarships

The Hennepin Tech Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to help students offset the cost of tuition, textbooks, and other expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reduce your college expenses!

Explore scholarships just for our students

PSEO & Concurrent Enrollment

High school students can jumpstart their college education by participating in our Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) or Concurrent Enrollment programs. Earn college credits while still in high school and save on future tuition costs!

Discover how you can earn college credit in high school

VA Benefits

Veterans and their dependents may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits can help cover tuition, housing, and other costs associated with attending college. Contact our veterans services office for assistance in accessing and maximizing your VA benefits.

Maximize your military education benefits

Third-Party Payments

Did you know that some employers, organizations, or government agencies offer tuition assistance programs? If you’re eligible, you can use these funds to help cover your college expenses. Be sure to check with your employer or inquire about any available benefits.

Let a sponsor help fund your education

Transfer Credits

Transfer the credits you’ve already earned from previous colleges or programs to reduce the classes you need, helping you finish your degree faster and at a lower cost.

Make your hard work count twice

To maximize your savings, apply for FAFSA early, explore scholarships, and review your potential for credit through prior learning and transfer evaluations.

Accreditation & Recognition

Our regional accreditation is North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission.

Hennepin Tech's Law Enforcement Professional Licensing Program is accredited by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training and is the only program in the Twin Cities that provides both the academic and skills components of the mandated law enforcement curriculum.

Hennepin Tech's Law Enforcement Professional Licensing Program is a consortium of Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area community colleges of the Minnesota State system. These colleges include:

  • Century College
  • Inver Hills Community College
  • Normandale Community College
  • North Hennepin Community College

Articulations

For a full listing of current articulation agreements, visit the Minnesota Transfer website.

  • Century College
  • Inver Hills Community College
  • Minneapolis Community & Technical College
  • Normandale Community College
  • North Hennepin Community College
  • Metropolitan State University

Industry Partners

Our advisory committee is made up of law enforcement professionals from many different agencies. They help guide the program to keep our curriculum current and cutting-edge.

USDE Professional Licensure Disclosure

The Hennepin Technical College Peace Officer curriculum is designed to help prepare students to sit for the professional licensure exam for Minnesota. At this time, Hennepin Technical College is unable to make a determination if the Peace Officer program meets the licensing requirement for any state or US protectorate besides Minnesota. You will want to contact the licensing board in which state you intend to pursue licensure for their requirements, below we provide a link to a list of each states licensing board. If you have further questions about licensure for Law Enforcement please contact Peace.Officer@HennepinTech.edu.

For more information on state licensing boards and their contact information for Law Enforcement visit the Go Law Enforcement website.

Last reviewed 03/28/2025

How to Apply

Licensure Exam Results

The 2024 pass rates for the POST licensure exam is 88%.

Skills Required

To enter the program, you will need to possess:

  • a valid driver's license
  • pass a criminal background check
  • not be prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm
  • pass a psychological exam that would certify you would not be a harm to yourself or others
  • pass a physical exam which indicates you have sufficient strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance to satisfactorily complete the firearms, defensive tactics and patrol tactics included in the skills portion of the program

Program Requirements

  • Peace Officer students are required to purchase and wear a uniform during all Peace Officer courses. More information is available during program orientation.

  • Any student entering the Peace Officer associates or certificate program must meet the Minimum Selection Standards Advisory Form standards
  • All Hennepin Tech students are required to pass a physical fitness test during the skills component. Testing will be conducted on the Concept2 Rower at the 60 percentile according to a person's age, gender and weight.
  • Applicants must row 2000 meters, scoring at or above the minimum 60 percentile on their test in order to pass the fitness test.
  • The 2000 meter test takes place at the level 5 or damper setting 5 on the flywheel
  • To view requirements, please visit the Minnesota State Trooper Candidate website and enter your age, gender and weight .

Application Process

Applying to Hennepin Tech is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to get started on your educational journey:

  1. Submit Your Application
    Visit our Get Started page to complete your application online. As part of the application process, you will need to pay the application fee. This helps us process your materials quickly.

  2. Submit Transfer Requests (If Applicable)
    If you have previously completed college courses or earned a degree, you can save time and money by transferring your credits. Be sure to submit official transcripts or transfer requests from any previous colleges or high schools you attended. This allows us to evaluate your credits and apply them toward your new program.

  3. Receive Your Admission Decision
    Once your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive an official admission decision.

  4. Placement Testing for New Students
    If you are new to college, you will need to take a placement test after you have been accepted. The placement test helps identify your current skills in reading, writing, and math. It is used to determine if developmental courses are necessary before you start certain college-level classes. Please note that the placement test does not affect your admission status.

  5. Plan Your Courses
    Based on your placement test results and transfer credit evaluation, you will work with an advisor to select the right courses to ensure your success.

Special Admissions Processes

  • If you are an international student, please visit our international admissions page for specific instructions.

  • If you are a PSEO (Postsecondary Enrollment Options) student, please visit our PSEO admissions webpage for details on the application process.

If you have questions or need help during the application process, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.

Faculty & Staff

Ryan Swanson Peace Officer Faculty - Adjunct Phone: ${phone} E-mail: Ryan.Swanson@HennepinTech.edu
Matthew Bilitz Peace Officer Faculty Adjunct Phone: ${phone} E-mail: Matthew.Bilitz@HennepinTech.edu
Anthony Arnold Peace Officer Faculty Adjunct Phone: ${phone} E-mail: Anthony.Arnold@HennepinTech.edu
Tyler Milless Peace Officer Faculty-Adjunct Phone: ${phone} E-mail: Tyler.Milless@HennepinTech.edu

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College Honors Adoptees

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

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Each November, National Adoption Month reminds us of the human need to belong.

$4.1M DEED Grant Received

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

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Hennepin Tech receives $4.1M from DEED to expand semiconductor training and grow Minnesota’s high-tech workforce.

Invitation to Vote on New Website Design Theme

Monday, October 20, 2025

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Help choose the new Hennepin Tech website design and score some swag! Vote now for your favorite theme before October 31.

Celebrating Manufacturing Month

Friday, October 3, 2025

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October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota and across the nation.

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