Calhoun Among Only 15 Alabama Community Colleges Selected to Train Alabama’s Future Law Enforcement Officers

Students pursuing careers in law enforcement now have an even greater opportunity to launch their careers through Calhoun Community College.

Calhoun is among only 15 colleges in the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) selected to participate in the newly established ACCS Pathway to Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) Certification . The initiative creates a direct pathway for qualified Criminal Justice students to earn full APOSTC certification while completing their college education. Designed to strengthen Alabama's law enforcement workforce, the program prepares highly trained, career-ready officers with both academic knowledge and practical law enforcement experience.

The initiative is made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Alabama Community College System and the Alabama Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission. The agreement comes as Alabama continues to experience a growing need for qualified law enforcement professionals and provides students with an innovative opportunity to prepare for careers in public safety while earning a college credential.

"At Calhoun, we are committed to preparing students for careers that strengthen our communities while meeting Alabama's workforce needs," said Dr. Jimmy Hodges, President of Calhoun Community College. "Being selected as one of only 15 community colleges in the state to offer this opportunity demonstrates the strength of our Criminal Justice program and our commitment to workforce excellence. This partnership gives our students a tremendous advantage by allowing them to combine a college education with professional law enforcement training, positioning them to enter the workforce with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to serve Alabama with integrity and distinction."

Under the agreement, eligible Criminal Justice students enrolled at Calhoun may qualify for appointment as volunteer student reserve police officers and, after successfully completing an APOSTC-approved basic training academy, receive full APOSTC certification while earning an associate degree in Criminal Justice. Students must be at least 19 years old, successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, and meet all APOSTC physical agility and academy requirements.

Calhoun was selected to participate because it offers the academic programs required for the initiative, including an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and a Short-Term Security Certificate .

Whether students plan to transfer to a four-year university, enter the workforce immediately after graduation, or pursue the new APOSTC certification pathway, Calhoun offers educational options designed to meet a variety of career goals.

Students interested in continuing their education beyond Calhoun have a clear pathway toward a bachelor's degree through the college's Associate of Science in Criminal Justice . Designed for transfer to a four-year institution, the curriculum combines general education coursework with studies in psychology, sociology, criminal law, and related disciplines to provide a strong academic foundation for careers requiring advanced education, including probation, juvenile justice, court administration, federal law enforcement, and other criminal justice professions. Students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor to ensure a seamless transfer to their university of choice.

For students ready to enter the workforce after graduation, Calhoun's Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice emphasizes career readiness through practical instruction that prepares graduates for entry-level careers in law enforcement, corrections, and security. Graduates are well-positioned for employment with agencies such as the Alabama Department of Corrections, state and local law enforcement agencies, municipal police departments, county sheriff's offices, correctional facilities, and private security organizations.

Students seeking an accelerated option can earn Calhoun's Short-Term Security Certificate , which provides specialized training in security operations, surveillance, safety procedures, and other essential security principles, allowing students to quickly develop in-demand workforce skills.

"The Criminal Justice program at Calhoun is built to prepare students for success, whether their goal is continuing their education or entering the workforce," said Hodges. "This new partnership creates an exciting opportunity for students to graduate with both a college credential and a pathway to full law enforcement certification, making them even more competitive in today's workforce."

The new initiative also benefits Alabama law enforcement agencies by helping reduce recruitment and training costs while creating a larger pipeline of qualified candidates. Traditionally, agencies have borne the full cost of academy training after hiring new officers. Through this partnership, students can complete much of their education and training before employment, helping agencies fill critical vacancies more efficiently without compromising certification standards.

Courses are offered on both the Decatur and Huntsville campuses, as well as online, providing students with the flexibility to complete their education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

Students interested in learning more about Calhoun's Criminal Justice programs can visit calhoun.edu/explore or speak with an academic advisor by calling 256-306-2500 .

For media inquiries, contact Calhoun's Public Relations Team at 256-306-2560 or 256-306-2965 .