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By completing this training, these officers will begin their law enforcement career with 39 college credits and a Certificate of Completion in Law Enforcement Technology from Rio Salado College. Through the years, many officers have taken the extra step to attain an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement Technology. Many law enforcement students have consolidated additional credits earned at Rio or elsewhere, which allowed them to complete their degree faster.
Since 1999, Rio Salado has awarded 5,790 certificates of completion and 381 associate degrees to Phoenix Regional Police Academy graduates.
Rio Salado is proud of this partnership and its ability to provide police officers with the means to pursue higher learning and career advancement-- in a cost-effective, timely way. Although they only need a GED or High School Diploma to start as a police officer, the minimum education requirement to promote to Sergeant and earn substantially more money is 75 hours of college credit. The Rio Salado partnership with the law enforcement community has contributed to an officer’s ability to earn more money based on education, job performance and promotion.
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Photo courtesy of Phoenix Regional Police Academy.