The purpose of the cooperative Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nebraska Law Enforcement is to provide a special track for students at the six Nebraska community colleges who want to pursue a career in law enforcement. This track includes criminal justice courses with common learning objectives identified by the colleges and the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center (NLETC) in Grand Island. As a result of the common learning objectives, the students will complete an abbreviated certification program at the NLETC designated as an internship. Upon completing the internship, students will have an associate's degree and certification from NLTEC.

Individuals considering a degree or employment in law enforcement must be aware of strict qualifications. Factors that usually disqualify candidates from employment in the profession include a criminal record, history of drug abuse, significant psychological/personal disorders, physiological disorders, neuro-muscular dysfunction, dishonesty, etc. Law enforcement agencies hire only the highest, best-qualified individuals available in order to obtain and maintain public trust and confidence at all times.

Program Objectives

• Possess the appropriate and necessary competencies for employment in the Nebraska Law Enforcement field.
• Demonstrate the appropriate and necessary personal and work characteristics that contribute to effective job performance and relations.
• Use appropriate and necessary communication skills to ensure success in job performance, job relations, and job retention.
• Apply theory and a standardized base of knowledge and skills using critical thinking/reasoning skills in relation to law enforcement.
• Use mathematical data and reasoning skills relative to law enforcement.
• Be prepared to qualify for admission to the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center.

Employment Opportunities

City and county law enforcement agencies in Nebraska.

Recommended Electives

Human Relations, Word Processing, CPR, Spanish, Ethics, Cultural Diversity, Technical Writing, Social Problems, or others approved by the advisor.

• Take and pass the required Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) before the processing of any paperwork can be done
• Be a citizen of the United States · Be 21 years of age or older · Be a high school graduate or provide GED
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operators or chauffeur's license · Have 20/20 vision or correctable to 20/30
• Have normal hearing or corrected to normal hearing
• Submit 4 fingerprint cards for criminal record search
• Possess good character as determined by a thorough background check conducted by the Training Center
• Have not used illegal drugs or narcotics in the past two years · Have not been convicted of DWI in the two years immediately preceding admission to the Training Center
• Submit to a physical exam within one year prior to admission and provide medical history
• Provide current photograph · Provide driving record (obtain from NE Department of Motor Vehicles)
• Pay $100 non-refundable processing fee

Plan to submit application to the Training Center one year prior to attending · Plan to interview at the Training Center as part of the admission process Physical training program at the Training Center may include (but is not limited to) the following:

• Running up to 5 miles
• Biking · Weight training
• Swimming
• Calisthenics exercises such as push-ups, jumping jacks, knee bends, sit-ups, pull-ups, etc.
• Climbing over a 53" solid wall
• Climbing through a window 30" off the ground
• Dragging an 80 lb. dummy 20 feet

Trainees must have the ability to physically perform the duties of an officer as listed below:

• Use of firearms using both strong & weak hand
• Driving emergency vehicles
• Handcuffing prisoners
• Administering first-aid
• Rescue operations
• Lifting and carrying 70 lbs.
• Directing traffic
• Subduing prisoners
• Pursuing suspects
• Walking-lateral mobility
• Walking rough terrain
• Bending, stooping, crouching
• Sitting, standing, kneeling
• Pushing/pulling
• Reaching
• Gripping hands and fingers
• Climbing stairs and ladders
• Color identification
• Night vision
• Maintaining balance
• Finger dexterity
• Speaking

Estimated cost for the six-credit hour internship at the
Training Center is $4,000. A comprehensive test may
remain part of the admissions process to the NLETC.