Jax State Partners with APOSTC to Launch Innovative Law Enforcement Workforce Pipeline

07/09/2026

New partnership allows students to graduate with both a bachelor's degree and Alabama law enforcement certification

MOU SigningJACKSONVILLE, Ala. — Jacksonville State University has received approval from the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) to establish an innovative partnership that creates a direct pathway for students to graduate with both a bachelor's degree and Alabama law enforcement certification. 

The partnership makes Jax State the first institution in Alabama to offer the model, allowing qualified Criminal Justice students pursuing the University's Law Enforcement Academy Minor to complete the academic requirements for a bachelor’s degree while simultaneously meeting the state's training and certification standards needed for employment as a law enforcement officer. Unlike traditional training pathways, students graduate with both a four-year degree and Alabama law enforcement certification, preparing them for immediate employment and long-term career advancement. 

"This partnership reflects Jacksonville State University's commitment to meeting the needs of our state through innovative academic programs and strong partnerships," said Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. "As the first institution in Alabama to offer this model, we are creating a pathway that allows students to graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and professional certification, prepared to serve their communities while helping law enforcement agencies across Alabama recruit highly qualified, workforce-ready officers." 

The partnership addresses one of Alabama's most pressing workforce needs by preparing students to enter the profession immediately upon graduation. Students accepted into the program will meet the same admissions requirements as all Alabama law enforcement recruits, including interviews, physical and psychological evaluations, physical agility testing, and other state requirements, before attending an APOST-certified law enforcement training academy.  

After successfully completing the academy during their junior year, students will gain practical law enforcement experience by working with the Jacksonville State University Police Department while completing their senior year. Upon graduation, they will hold both a bachelor's degree and the credentials necessary to begin careers with law enforcement agencies across Alabama. 

“The Commission's partnership with Jacksonville State University represents an innovative investment in the future of Alabama law enforcement,” said Chief R. Alan Benefield, Executive Secretary, APOST Commission. “By establishing a structured pathway to certification, we are creating a pipeline of highly qualified, well-educated law enforcement officers who have already demonstrated a commitment to public service. This program not only expands opportunities for criminal justice students it also provides law enforcement agencies across Alabama with access to certified, career-ready officers at no cost to the hiring agency, for their education or academy training, resulting in cost savings of over $10,000 to the employing agency. 

“This path to certification is a forward-thinking approach that strengthens our profession, supports the recruitment and retention of exceptional officers, and helps ensure Alabama communities continue to be served by highly trained law enforcement professionals.” 

The partnership also provides students with practical experience while helping meet the workforce needs identified by law enforcement agencies across the state. 

"This partnership changes the way we prepare future law enforcement officers," said Michael Barton, Associate Vice President of Health and Public Safety and Chief of Police at Jacksonville State University. "Students will graduate with the education, training, certification, and real-world experience they need to begin serving immediately, while agencies gain access to qualified candidates who are ready to step into the profession. This partnership benefits our students, our law enforcement partners, and the communities they serve." 

The Law Enforcement Academy Minor consists of 21 credit hours and is integrated into students' degree plans, allowing them to complete the academy as part of their academic program rather than after graduation. The partnership also removes financial barriers for participating agencies by eliminating the need to reimburse academy training costs for participating students, allowing them to complete academy training while enrolled at Jax State. 

The initiative builds on Jacksonville State University's longstanding commitment to comprehensive law enforcement education and training through its Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation, University Police Department, Center for Applied Forensics, Center for Best Practices in Law Enforcement, Alabama Investigators Academy, Southeastern Law Enforcement Command College, and APOST-certified law enforcement training programs, further strengthening the University's role as a leader in preparing Alabama's public safety workforce. 

"This partnership demonstrates how higher education can respond to workforce needs while creating meaningful opportunities for students," said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Jax State. "By integrating APOSTC certification into a student's academic experience, we are reducing barriers to employment and providing graduates with a distinct advantage as they enter their careers in law enforcement." 

Students interested in the Law Enforcement Academy Minor must meet all University admission requirements and the standards established by APOSTC for entry into an APOST-certified law enforcement training academy. Additional information about the program is available through the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation.