Michigan’s Largest Police Academy Opens Two New Academies in June and August to Meet Growing Demand for Police Officer Training
Oakland Community College is offering two Basic Police Training academies beginning June 12 and August 6. Students who successfully complete the program and pass the state licensing exam are eligible to serve as police officers in Michigan.
David Ceci, OCC’s dean of Public Services and director of Law Enforcement Training, emphasizes the high demand for police officers in Oakland County and Southeast Michigan.
"Completing the OCC Police Academy is the first step towards a rewarding career in law enforcement,” said Ceci. “By offering two academies this summer, we can train more students to help meet the increasing demand for officers in our community and throughout Michigan.”
The academies are run from June 12 through Oct. 16 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or August 6 through Dec. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend training. Both academies are held on OCC’s Auburn Hills campus utilizing the College’s Combined Regional Emergency Services Training (CREST) site—recognized as one of the premier police training facilities in the nation.
In addition to being eligible for police officer positions, graduates of the academy also earn college credits. According to Salary.com, the average pay for police offices in Michigan is $62,600, with many Metro Detroit departments paying much higher. For example, entry-level police officers at the Troy Police Department start at $73,025 and can earn $88,000 after six years. The Canton Township Police Department starts officers at $56,855 with salaries increasing to $96,268 after four years.
OCC’s Police Academy candidates are either self-sponsored or employed by a police agency. The cost of the academy for self-sponsored candidates is $6,600 plus costs for uniforms, appropriate sidearm and duty gear. Candidates who qualify for Michigan Reconnect, veteran benefits or other financial aid can apply those funds toward OCC’s police academy program.
Self-sponsored individuals must pass the State of Michigan’s MCOLES pre-enrollment tests and have completed a college degree or accrued enough credits where the additional credits awarded for completing the academy would qualify for a degree. Military police waivers are also available toward degree completion.
To apply to the OCC Police Academy, candidates must attend an orientation session to get started. The next orientation for the June 12 academy is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 1 p.m. in Building J, Room 121 on OCC’s Auburn Hills campus.
For more information visit OCC Police Academy, email policetraining@oaklandcc.edu or call 248.232.4227.
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About OCC
Oakland Community College offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training and expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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