Hennepin Tech awarded million-dollar federal grant for police training
Brooklyn Park, Aug. 29, 2023 – Hennepin Technical College (Hennepin Tech) is announcing that it has received a $1 million federal grant to expand training for future police officers and public safety professionals.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Representative Dean Phillips worked to secure the grant in partnership with Alexandria Technical and Community College, which received an additional $1 million in funding. Hennepin Tech and Alexandria College provide education to 60% of all licensed peace officers in Minnesota.
“The grant is an important investment in public safety and will allow Hennepin Tech to keep our commitment to building strong communities and producing the nation’s best trained police officers and public safety officers,” said Joy Bodin, president, Hennepin Tech. “We are grateful to Senator Klobuchar and Representative Phillips for recognizing the critical need to enhance public safety education for the next generation of professionals who serve our communities.”
Hennepin Tech will use the grant to support curriculum and training updates for the Peace Officer and Public Safety program offered on its Brooklyn Park campus, including;
- Improve the state-of-the-art video simulator which is used to teach de-escalation techniques in real-time, realistic scenarios
- Offer more support for students in the program by purchasing equipment to reduce their costs, which will help with recruitment and retention
- Recruit and retain students of color
- Update the fleet of squad cars and high-tech equipment used in training to replicate the student’s future workplace environment in public safety professions
Statewide, there has been an urgent, renewed focus on changes to police training in the aftermath of officer-involved, use-of-force deaths, including the death of George Floyd. At the same time, a surge in retirements have left law enforcement agencies with critical staffing shortages.
In response, a state Taskforce on Law Enforcement Education Reform advised the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system on needed changes. Input was received from many stakeholders such as community groups that represent people of color and local law enforcement. Among the mandates, curriculum will put greater emphasize improving an officer’s skillset in conflict resolution, mediation, mental health, cultural competency and anti-bias training.
Since 2010, Hennepin Tech has been a leading provider of Skills Training for peace officers. Skills Training teaches hands-on skills such as conducting a traffic stop and making an arrest. This year, Hennepin Tech began offering a new Peace Officer and Public Safety associate degree. As a result, Hennepin Tech is now the only campus where future police and peace officers can receive all needed training (academic and skills) on one campus in the Twin Cities. Removing logistical barriers improves student success rates and provides more access to students in underserved communities.
About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for in-demand and high-paying employment opportunities.