School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)
The CNM Law Enforcement Academy will provide the basic police officer academy as a satellite academy under the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. Students who successfully complete the academy will earn a Certificate of Completion for 32 academic credits. These courses meet the requirements for licensure by the state of New Mexico as a law enforcement officer. In addition, these courses will apply toward the Associates of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.
The CNM Law Enforcement Academy (CNMLEA) program is a New Mexico state-approved course of basic training for law enforcement officers. The CNMLEA prepares students for police officer certification by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board.
CNMLEA abides by all laws as established by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Act, Chapter 29, Article 7 NMSA 1978, and will follow all Rules and Regulations as set by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00 and may include some evening and weekend hours.
CNM collaborates with agencies and enrolls only sponsored students in the program.
Approximate Costs of this Educational Option
Financial Aid Considerations
Educational Option Information
- This educational option is an: Certificate of Completion
- This educational option can be completed: Full-time
- This educational option is designed for: Transfer into CNM’s Criminal Justice, Associate of Applied Science
- This educational option can be started: Spring or Fall
- Primary course location: CNM Westside Campus
Special Requirements
Applicants are mandated by New Mexico State Administrative Code to pass rigorous entrance standards. These include but are not limited to a written examination(s), physical assessment, background investigation, selection interviews, psychological testing, medical examination, drug screening and credit checks. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and be a US citizen.
Felony Conviction
Individuals with felony convictions are not eligible for this certification, per New Mexico Administrative Code.
Licensing
Upon successful completion of the academy, students will sit for the Law Enforcement Officer Certification Exam (LEOCE) administered by the State of New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
Additional Supplies
Additional tools, equipment and supplies will be required for individual courses during the program.
Educational Opportunities
This certificate is embedded in CNM’s Criminal Justice, Associate of Applied Science curriculum allowing students to complete this certificate and continue onto their associate’s degree. Many of the courses in this degree are transferable and some may be applied to two and four-year degree programs. CNM currently has transfer agreements with many colleges and universities in New Mexico and elsewhere.
Career Opportunities
All regional law enforcement agencies are actively recruiting for cadets and frequently utilize CNM partnerships to facilitate the hiring of CNM students.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that in 2017 there were 662,390 police officer and sheriff’s deputy jobs in the United States. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a 7% growth in the employment of police officers and sheriff’s deputies from 2016-2026. Police officers and sheriff’s deputies are traditionally employed by the local, state and federal governments.
Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses
Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.
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