FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University will soon be establishing and operating a new law enforcement training academy.
The university announced recently that the Supreme Court of West Virginia affirmed the decision of the Marion County circuit court, approving the institution’s application for authorization.
In a release, university officials said they are beginning to take steps to offer police academy training which will allow students to become certified law enforcement officers as they earn their degrees in criminal justice and related fields.
“Fairmont State’s very mission is shaped by our commitment to transformational impact,” Fairmont State President Dr. Mirta Martin said in a release. “This decision allows us to train and educate job-ready police officers who can go forth and positively impact communities large and small throughout West Virginia. It truly is a win-win-win situation: Our students will receive an excellent education and entry into an in-demand career; our municipalities will get trained police officers; and the state will retain its most valuable resource – our invaluable homegrown talent.”
FSU’s goal is to create a valuable and highly trained workforce ready when they graduate.
“Upon successful completion of the Police Academy track at Fairmont State University, students will not only graduate with a four-year bachelor’s degree but also with law enforcement certification. This will allow them to be hired by any law-enforcement agency within the state of West Virginia,” Fairmont State Police Chief Matt Swain said.
“Fairmont State University will be the only institution in the state to have a police academy. I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to train the police officers that will have a positive impact on our state for many years to come.”
In April 2018, the Marion County Circuit ruled the denial of Fairmont State’s application to start the program by the Law Enforcement Professional Standards (LEPS) Program was unlawful.