Jackson College is hoping to fill that need with new training academy

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz recently testified before a House budget subcommittee in support of a proposed $2.5 million state budget investment to help Jackson College establish a new police and law enforcement training academy aimed at addressing Michigan’s growing public safety workforce shortages.

Schmaltz invited Jackson College President and CEO Dr. Dan Phelan to join her in presenting the proposal, which would renovate an existing facility into a modern academy offering classroom instruction, physical training, and preparation for Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification.

“We all know Michigan needs more police officers, deputies, and corrections officers,” Schmaltz said. “Communities across our state are facing serious staffing shortages, and this investment would help create a strong pipeline for the next generation of public safety professionals right here in our region.”

The proposed project carries a total cost of $6.5 million, with Jackson College contributing $4 million toward the effort. College officials said the academy would expand regional training opportunities and help students pursue careers in law enforcement without leaving the area.

“This is about creating opportunities for people who want to serve their communities while helping address a real workforce need,” Schmaltz said. “Jackson College is stepping up with a significant local investment, and this partnership would strengthen public safety and expand career opportunities for future officers close to home.”

During his testimony, Phelan emphasized the growing statewide need for trained law enforcement professionals and the importance of accessible regional training programs.

“Across our state, communities are struggling to recruit and retain qualified officers,” Phelan said. “In 2024 alone, 74% of Michigan jurisdictions involved in law enforcement reported recruitment difficulties, and nearly half reported retention challenges with law enforcement officers.”

Additionally, Michigan prisons are facing a severe staffing shortage. Statewide, the Michigan Department of Corrections has up to 1,000 vacancies for corrections officers.

Phelan noted that Jackson, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties currently lack a nearby law enforcement academy, creating barriers for prospective recruits who may face transportation, employment, or family limitations. He said the proposed academy is intended to complement existing MCOLES academies around the state while strengthening Michigan’s overall training capacity.

“A locally accessible academy creates a true grow-your-own model for individuals who want to serve in their own communities and remain in the region for a long term,” Phelan said.

Jackson College previously operated a police academy beginning in 1969 before discontinuing the program in 1985 because of financial constraints. Phelan said the new proposal would restore an important regional training resource while integrating the academy into the college’s existing law enforcement associate degree program.

In addition to technical and tactical preparation, the proposed academy would include instruction focused on ethics, constitutional policing, leadership development, mental health and resiliency training, community engagement, and rural policing environments.

Schmaltz said the investment would help strengthen local communities for years to come.

“When people call 911, they want to know trained professionals will be there to respond,” Schmaltz said. “We can’t afford to ignore the growing shortage of law enforcement professionals in Michigan. Supporting this academy would help prepare the next generation of officers and give students in our area a clear pathway into public safety careers.”