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MDCC Law Enforcement Training Academy: Strengthening Mississippi’s Public Safety Workforce
Moorhead, MS (Mar. 18, 2025) – Mississippi Delta Community College’s (MDCC) Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) continues to be a driving force in law enforcement education, equipping officers across the state with the skills and training necessary to protect and serve their communities. As one of Mississippi’s premier training academies, MDCC LETA offers a comprehensive range of programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement agencies.
Founded in 1998, MDCC LETA is a Class I State Academy accredited by the Mississippi Board on Law Enforcement Officers' Standards and Training. The academy provides multiple levels of instruction, including an 11-week Basic Law Enforcement course (480 hours), Refresher Training (200 hours), Detention Officer Training (96 & 120 hours), Part-Time Training (307 hours), and various in-service training programs. With a reach far beyond the Mississippi Delta, the academy serves approximately 85 agencies across the state, extending from Corinth in the northeast to Lauderdale County in the south and from Tunica in the northwest to Adams and Walthall Counties in the southwest.
“I’m thrilled to see how much our training academy has grown,” said Amy Vanderford, Director of MDCC LETA. “We are able to respond to the training needs of law enforcement agencies in and outside of the Delta, ensuring that officers across Mississippi receive the preparation they need to serve their communities effectively.”
Since its inception, MDCC LETA has trained thousands of law enforcement professionals, including:
- 2,379 cadets through Basic Law Enforcement training
- 137 officers through Refresher Training
- 65 officers through the Jailer Course
- 72 officers in Update of Skills programs
- 4,103 officers in various in-service training courses
- 82 newly elected constables
- 76 graduates of the Certified Investigators Course (since 2019)
- 26 officers trained in Mental Health First Aid for Law Enforcement
With a 100% employment rate for its Basic Law Enforcement graduates, MDCC LETA plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of officers and ensuring that Mississippi communities have well-trained, capable law enforcement personnel.
By continuing to expand its offerings and adapt to the needs of agencies across the state, MDCC LETA remains a critical resource for public safety and professional development.
