The Lorain County Community College Police Training Academy opened in the spring of 2002.
This spring, the Academy will welcome its 17th class. On the average, 20 trainees attend each session and over 200 have graduated since the program began.
Paul Graupman is the Academy Commander. He will celebrate 39 years in law enforcement this fall. Graupman was a police officer in Shelby Township, Michigan from 1975 to 1983, and was a special agent and agent supervisor for the FBI for 26 years. He is currently an auxiliary policeman in the North Ridgeville Police Department.
Why did LCCC start an Academy? “The police chiefs in the area got together,” said Graupman, “and wanted a training option close where they could send their officers.” Before LCCC’s Academy opened, the only opportunities for officers in training would be the Cleveland Heights Academy or the State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus. The “type” of trainee that applies to the academy is diverse. “We have a number of people returning from the military service,” said Graupman. “We also have people who have masters degrees or law degrees. Our range is pretty wide.” The most recent graduating class had eleven officers that were already employed. Local police departments will send their newly hired officers to the LCCC Academy for training and certification.
“I think our Academy has been a great success,” said Graupman. “We are very tough – especially in physical training. The feedback we get on our graduates from the area departments is very good.”
Are you interested in a career in law enforcement? Are you in need of additional training? How do you apply to the LCCC Police Training Academy? Please visit LCCC Police Academy.