Program Overview
The Police Science program prepares you for a career in city or county law enforcement. You will acquire knowledge of the criminal justice system's operations and purpose, be prepared to meet hiring standards required in Iowa, and develop problem-solving skills. You will gain hands-on, practical training in:
- Police operations
- Crime scene, accident, and general investigations
- Critical incident management
- Report writing and testifying
- Physical fitness conditioning
- Safe and legal use of force in defensive tactics
Becoming a law enforcement officer is challenging. To be successful, it is recommended that you are physically fit and have:
All Police Science instructors have law enforcement experience and academic training and are dedicated to helping you build these skills and understand if you are a good fit for the law enforcement profession.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
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Indoor and Outdoor Firing Ranges: Learn effective and proficient firearms use according to law enforcement standards, including safety practices and responsible firearm care.
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Virtual Firearms Simulator System (MILO): Learn and practice decision making using firearms in use of force incidents.
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Crime Scene Lab: Practice legal and ethical evidence collection techniques and analysis.
- Internship: Gain 128 hours of real-world work experience ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in your future career.
Police Academy
Graduates, either newly hired or sponsored by a law enforcement agency, are eligible to attend the New Officer 9-Week Basic Level II Certification Academy. Hawkeye is designated as a Regional Law Enforcement Training Facility by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
Transfer Information
An articulation agreement allows you to transfer your Police Science coursework to the Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program at the University of Northern Iowa.
If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.
Faculty Spotlight
Michael Leary
Michael began teaching at Hawkeye after serving 16 years as a police officer in Waverly and Cedar Falls. He’s a graduate of Hawkeye’s Police Science program, holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Northern Iowa, and a master's degree in Criminal Justice from St. Ambrose University. Michael also serves as a part-time police officer for the city of Vinton, and he volunteers as a firefighter and EMT for the Hudson Volunteer Fire Department.
Video Overview
Students Practice Quick Decision-Making Skills using the MILO Range Simulator
The MILO Range Simulator's high definition video makes each simulated training look and feel as life-like as possible. The scenario library offers more than 425 different video options. The interactive training weapons use lasers in place of firing pins to interact with the computer-based equipment for live scenarios as well as marksmanship drills. Instructors are in control of the scenarios and can alter the video based on the student's reaction to the simulated situation.
See More Video
Your Criminal History Matters
As a future criminal justice professional, students need to use good judgment in all areas of their personal, professional, and scholastic interactions and activities; and must keep their records clean. Criminal justice organizations require background checks for internships, volunteer placements, and employment; which will include adult and juvenile civil and criminal issues, official and informal contacts with police, and character references. Employment will also hinge on the successful completion of a polygraph, credit check, and psychological evaluation.
Be aware that character counts and your behavior can sabotage your ability to graduate from this program and your ability to work in the field. Consider what your actions and criminal history says about you….i.e. an OWI conviction indicates that you demonstrate poor judgment by drinking to excess and deciding to drive, which may kill or injure you or another person. Remember your personal behaviors (what you didn’t get caught for) will be revealed during the polygraph, and what you do privately (when no one is watching or supervising) speaks volumes as to the true content of one’s character.
If you want to work in criminal justice avoid these issues:
- Acquiring speeding tickets or safety violation citations.
- Acquiring a suspended driver’s license or citations for driving with a suspended license.
- Participating in underage drinking, using fake ID’s, or buying alcohol for underage persons.
- Use or abuse of prescription drugs, street drugs, club drugs (ecstasy), marijuana, or synthetic drugs.
- Engaging in theft of property, goods, or services.
You will not be employable in criminal justice if you have:
- Felony convictions.
- Domestic abuse convictions.
- Placement on an abuse registry (Sex offender, child/elder abuse).
- Drug convictions, or history of drug use or abuse (methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, etc.) Each agency (city, county, state, or federal) sets their own limits on marijuana use from zero tolerance to a limited amount of use, and factors in how recent the use was.
- Weapons violations.
Ultimately, criminal justice employers will rationalize your behavior by this criteria: If you know or reasonably believe an action is illegal or will cause harm then the best candidate will take responsibility, demonstrate self-control, and not do it.
Lastly, employers will ask our faculty for references. Students need to know that full-time faculty and adjunct faculty members are constantly formally and informally assessing students in terms of academic performance, attendance, honesty, professionalism, social skills, maturity, and appearance so that we can make objective assessments when asked. Your interactions count, and we are here to mentor you.
Admissions Requirements
Apply at Hawkeye
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Complete Hawkeye's online admissions application to apply and be considered for the Police Science program.
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Request to have your transcripts sent to the Admissions office.
Basic Skill Competencies
In order to be eligible for the Police Science program, all students must meet minimum score requirements and/or successfully complete the required college success courses in English, reading, and math with a "C" grade or higher at Hawkeye Community College or comparable courses at another accredited college. For appropriate college success course placement, work with your program advisor.
Minimum score requirements
| ACT |
ACCUPLACER |
COMPASS |
ACCUPLACER Next Generation |
| 16 Reading |
58 Reading |
69 Reading |
239 Reading |
| 16 English |
64 Sentence Skills |
41 Writing |
240 Writing |
| 14 Math |
40 Arithmetic |
24 Pre-Algebra |
240 Arithmetic |
|
241 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics |
Program Acceptance
Applicants meeting the Basic Skill Competencies Requirements criteria are eligible for acceptance.
Applicants not meeting the Basic Skill Competencies Requirements criteria will be accepted to a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you will begin with general education and prerequisite classes. An advisor will help you create an academic plan to meet your program admission requirements. Once you have completed your pre-program coursework contact Admissions.
Equal Opportunity Statement