AWC law enforcement program accepting applications

Zaira Rodriguez signed up because she wanted to become a police officer since she was 13 and wanted to protect her family. For Janet Sanchez, the motivation is knowing that she is doing good for other people. For Juan Rodriquez, it was to help improve somebody's life and help people get off the streets who shouldn't be.
 
All three, like many other current police officers at local agencies in Yuma County, were products of the Arizona Western College Law Enforcement Training Academy.
 
Since the academy started in 1985, hundreds have graduated and dozens have moved on to careers in every local law enforcement agency in Yuma County, says Richard Colwell, interim academy director of AWCLETA.
 
And, he said, many graduating cadets moved onto several agencies across the country.
 
"For anybody seriously interested in the law enforcement career in the Yuma area, the AWC law enforcement academy may be the right choice," Colwell said. "Granted, the academy program is challenging and not for everybody, but for those who have graduated and have become police officers and deputy sheriffs, their time and financial investment was well spent."
 
AWCLETA, an open enrollment academy, allows an individual to complete the same Basic Peace Officer Certification course required of all police officers in Arizona, without being sponsored or hired by law enforcement agency. The academy instructors come from law enforcement agencies in Yuma County, and attending the academy costs about $1,200 per semester. The course is spread over two college semesters. Financial aid is available for prospective students.
 
The next academy class will start on Jan. 3 and application packets must be received by Nov. 20. Individuals interested in the academy may pick up an application packet at AWC in room HS107 or contact secretary Lupe Fuentes at 317-6452. The academy is scheduled every Thursday and Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and every other Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
 
The academy's schedule was deemed perfect for Janet Sanchez, 32, a mother of two children who had to juggle the responsibilities of family. She has been a police officer for about 4 1/2 years at the Yuma Police Department. "I was in Phoenix and the best one was here in town at AWC, that was the best opportunity for me to pursue my dream," Sanchez said. "It's always something I wanted to do and people say I'm a role model to girls, especially to teenagers. They look up to me and I love that. I love being a role model to the young ones and let them know that they can do it, too."
 
Rodriguez, 23, an officer from Somerton Police Department, has been in the force for about nine months. "I feel proud of it," Rodriguez said. "Just get motivated, research the job because this is something positive, this is something that people will appreciate...well, sometimes...because sometimes they may hate you because they're like, 'Why are you giving me a ticket?' but other than that, people appreciate what you do."
  
Justin Keeling, 23, officer at the Cocopah Police Department, said the academy was convenient for him because he had the chance to work full time and still finish up his classes. "It was a lot of fun. You create a friendship with everybody, we're all family you know and you don't break that bond."
 
Juan Rodriquez, 28, officer at the Quechan Tribal Police Department, said he felt great and happy when he first received his badge and uniform and encourages others to join if they feel they want to become part of the police force. "Go for it, it's a good career. It's something that you can retire from," Rodriquez said. "There are bad things and good things. The bad thing is working late or not being at home with your family sometimes, but the good thing is that you're going to be helping people."
 
Colwell, the interim director of AWCLETA, said although the academy is college-based, the course is very demanding. Each applicant is required to successfully complete a comprehensive background check as mandated by Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board.
 
"It's a very honorable profession," Colwell said. "It's a good way to serve the community."


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Stephanie Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@yumasun.com or 539-6847.
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Next academy class: Jan. 3 2009
• Application packet deadline: Nov. 20
• Applications are available at room HS107 at AWC or contact Lupe Fuentes at 317-6452.
• Applicants must successfully complete a background investigation mandated by Arizona POST.
• Course costs about $1,200 a semester, academy spans 10 months (two semesters) financial aid is available.
• Course is every Thursday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Minimum number of required academy hours: 585, cadets can earn college credit while in academy.
Source: AWCLETA