Law Enforcement Science

Associate Degree Program

A Law Enforcement Science degree from Southeast Technical College prepares you to serve your community with integrity, sound judgment and empathy. If you are motivated by helping others and can remain calm in high-pressure situations, this program builds the skills you need to succeed as a law enforcement officer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota or anywhere in the nation.

Your ability to assess situations quickly, think critically and act decisively becomes a powerful asset in protecting people and property.

Serve and Protect Communities with Confidence

As a Law Enforcement Science graduate, you play a vital role in maintaining public safety within your jurisdiction. With experience, you may choose to specialize in areas such as narcotics enforcement, SWAT, canine units or motorcycle patrol.

Your professional responsibilities may include:

• Testifying in court
• Patrolling neighborhoods and business districts
• Collecting and documenting crime scene evidence
• Writing clear and accurate reports
• Responding to emergency calls
• Arresting suspects
• Issuing citations during traffic stops

These duties reflect the real world demands of modern law enforcement careers.

Understand Certification and Career Readiness Opportunities

After completing STC’s Law Enforcement Science program, you could have the opportunity to receive law enforcement certification through a reciprocity exam, according to permission granted by the South Dakota Law Enforcement Standards and Training Commission.

Learn Essential Law Enforcement Skills in a Real-World Setting

Law Enforcement coursework is taught in the George S. Mickelson Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and emphasizes practical, career-ready instruction. You gain foundational knowledge and applied training in:

• Accident investigation
• Constitutional and criminal law
• Juvenile justice
• Professional report writing
• Traffic regulation and enforcement
• Firearms training
• Emergency vehicle operation
• Use of force and pressure point control tactics (PPCT)

This hands-on approach ensures you are prepared for the realities of law enforcement work.

Develop Professionalism, Judgment and Leadership Skills

Your classes help you stand out as a well-rounded law enforcement professional. You learn how to meet departmental goals, apply relevant laws, use technology in investigations and lawfully apply use of force when required.

You also strengthen problem-solving skills essential to public service. Through scenario-based learning, you practice making quick, appropriate decisions and applying effective policing strategies within your community.

Learn Your Role Within the Justice System

Southeast Tech faculty emphasize the importance of professionalism and communication within the justice system. You learn how to work effectively with fellow officers, legal professionals and the public while maintaining accurate records and delivering clear testimony.

Explore Diverse Career Paths in Law Enforcement

Graduates of the Law Enforcement Science program pursue careers in police departments, sheriff’s offices, corrections, private security and highway patrol units. Southeast Tech’s collaborative learning environment and industry-aligned training empower you to build a career grounded in service, responsibility and real world experience.

This is where commitment, hands-on training and ethical leadership come together to shape the next generation of law enforcement professionals.