School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)
The CNM Law Enforcement Academy is accredited by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board as a regional/satellite academy for Basic Police Officer Training and as such abides by all laws as established by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Act, Chapter 29, Article 7 NMSA 1978.
The CNMLEA utilizes the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Basic Police Officer Training (BPOT) curriculum that consists of 700+ hours of classroom and practical training in a wide variety of areas. The course of instruction prepares the student for the Law Enforcement Officer Certification Exam administered by the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.
Students who successfully complete the academy will earn 33 academic credits and a CNM Law Enforcement Academy Certificate of Completion.
Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday 6:00am - 5:00pm and may include some evening and weekend hours.
Students wanting to enter the CNM Law Enforcement Academy must be hired and sponsored by a New Mexico law enforcement agency. The CNMLEA does not currently accept self-sponsored students into 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.