West Fargo Police Department graduates first class of local Peace Officer Academy with Lake Region State College

By West Fargo Police Department

The West Fargo Police Department was proud to graduate 18 students in the first class of the local Peace Officer Academy. The graduation ceremony was held Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022, at West Fargo High School. The Peace Officer Academy was held in partnership with Lake Region State College.

The Peace Officer Training Program (POTP) allows an individual to become a licensed peace officer in the state of North Dakota. The program has nearly a 100% employment rate for graduates who pursue positions as full-time police officers in North Dakota.

“We are excited to announce that 12 students have already been offered conditional jobs in law enforcement throughout the region,” said West Fargo Police Chief Denis Otterness. “The department looks forward to a continued partnership with Lake Region State College for future academies in West Fargo to support public safety throughout North Dakota.”

The Peace Officer Academy is a 14-week rigorous training program. Students complete physical fitness training every morning and classroom hours from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Instructors cover a variety of topics ranging from crime scene processing to North Dakota criminal law.

Lake Region State College is the only college in the state authorized to deliver a North Dakota POST basic curriculum. Thank you to the officers from the West Fargo Police Department and Cass County Sheriff’s Office for assisting as instructors throughout the academy.