Training can be expensive.
A fee increase was recently approved for the Criminal Justice Training Academy to help meet rising program costs, according to Training Coordinator Pete Willis. The increase was part of a wider fee increase for selected courses in the college, according to Senior Vice President and Provost Helen Grove.
The fee increase was carefully considered, and Grove said Willis had not recommended a fee increase in years.
“The academy did a very careful analysis of how costs had increased, and then they recommended an increased course fee in proportion to those costs,” Grove said.
Course fees pay for provided equipment and facilities, according to Willis. The academy provides all of the equipment that cadets need, including: a full uniform, firearm, ammunition and seven marked police vehicles required by the state for driving instruction.
An electronic firing range, gym and crime scene rooms are also maintained for the academy, but they are not the only organization to use the facilities, according to Willis. The campus police practice in the electronic firing range, which saves ammunition costs, he said. Also, the Miami Valley Regional Crime Lab trains evidence technicians in the crime scene rooms, according to Willis.
The academy’s Orientation and FAQ Packet approximates $2,600 for Montgomery County residents, but this winter’s application estimates $3,100.
Willis believes changes in the economy are partially responsible for higher costs. He estimates that the cost of law enforcement ammunition alone has increased 80 percent. He knows that training can be costly, but he believes it is necessary to prepare cadets for their future work environment.
“We try to make it as realistic as possible without getting anyone seriously hurt,” Willis said.
Even with the increased fees, Willis said Sinclair’s training academy is the least expensive one he can think of. Willis said he is proud of the training academy and believes Sinclair is a great resource for the academy.
“It’s incredible, but it’s part of the magic of the college,” Willis said.