Zach Crowley, a Lino Lakes police cadet, had long dreamed about serving his community. He didn’t feel a sense of fulfillment in his sales job yet couldn’t afford to leave it to study law enforcement.

Until now.

An innovative new opportunity, the Intensive Comprehensive Peace Officer Education and Training (ICPOET) grant program, is giving Crowley and others the chance to chase their dreams. 

ICPOET is designed not just to fill law enforcement vacancies but to recruit highly trained, community-focused people eager to serve. For those who are interested in making a difference and saving lives, this program, which assists Minnesota law enforcement agencies by administering grant funding through our Office of Justice Programs, offers an exciting opportunity.

“This would be an impossible dream to get to if it wasn’t for this program. I and a lot of my fellow classmates agree that we were lacking a sense of purpose in our former careers and that we wanted to serve something greater than ourselves,” says Crowley, whose training and education with the Lino Lakes Police Department is being supported by ICPOET.

ICPOET is ideal for non-traditional students who are eager to join the ranks of law enforcement but have struggled with the traditional 18-month educational timeline. Maybe they’ve earned a college degree and already built a career in another field but have dreamed of transitioning into law enforcement. For these candidates, the program offers a streamlined, eight-month education track that builds on their existing experience and education.

This shorter timeline allows candidates to get the training they need to step into law enforcement roles without spending years in a classroom. Plus, the program removes common barriers to entry by providing financial support. Participants receive a salary while they train, and the cost of their education is covered. 

With the current ICPOET funding, Minnesota could add up to 94 new peace officers across 46 different agencies. These are individuals who have passed all the required schooling and tests and are ready to serve their communities with dedication and professionalism. “It’s been a great experience so far. We’ve been immersed in training and education, and I’m looking forward to continuing with the program.” This program isn’t just about addressing staffing shortages — it’s about creating a better future for law enforcement in Minnesota. 

“Minnesotans deserve to feel safe no matter where they live,” said Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson. “Our goal is to provide this for them, but staffing challenges make this increasingly difficult.”  

By bringing in high-caliber candidates such as Crowley, who are committed to their communities, ICPOET helps build a safer Minnesota.

“I hope a lot of others also consider this amazing change in career path,” says Crowley.

For more information and a list of agencies accepting candidates, visit the ICPOET webpage.