Hennepin Tech Receives Updated Squad Car Fleet Thanks to $1M Federal Grant

Brooklyn Park, May 13, 2024

In August of 2023, Hennepin Tech announced the receipt of a $1 million federal grant to expand training for future police officers and public safety professionals. Funding from this grant helped the college to purchase of ten state-of-the-art 2024 Ford Explorer training squads for use in the Peace Officer and Public Safety program at the Brooklyn Park campus.

Hennepin Tech has used the grant to support curriculum and training updates for the Peace Officer and Public Safety program offered on its Brooklyn Park campus, including updates to the fleet of aging training squads. The updated fleet of squad cars has been equipped with industry-leading, high-tech equipment intended to replicate the student’s future workplace environment in public safety professions.

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.

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 in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.