RVC Launches New Program for Law Enforcement Officers

RVC Launches New Program for Law Enforcement Officers

• Community
• 09/25/2026

Rock Valley College and local law enforcement agencies are partnering to make it easier for current officers to earn a college degree while continuing to serve their communities.

RVC officially announced its new Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Program Thursday, Sept. 24, at the College's Downtown West Learning Center. The partnership brings together RVC, the Rockford Police Department and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office to create a flexible pathway for working law enforcement officers to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.

The program is designed specifically around the needs of working officers. Most courses are offered fully online, and classes are structured in eight-week terms. Students will also have opportunities to meet in person as a cohort, collaborate with fellow officers and discuss real-world experiences from their careers.

"Having the program housed here at our Downtown West campus allows us to provide supports to our officers in close proximity to where they work every day," said Dr. Amanda Smith, RVC vice president of Academic Affairs. "This opportunity not only advances the educational and professional growth of our local law enforcement officers, but also strengthens the communities they serve by investing in their education."

A key feature of the program is its recognition of prior learning. Eligible officers can receive up to 27 college credits based on previous law enforcement training, education and professional experience. With an associate degree requiring 60 credits, receiving the maximum number of prior-learning credits can significantly reduce the number of credits an officer needs to complete.

The program also recognizes that returning to college can be challenging for adults balancing careers, families and changing work schedules.

"We have a lot of officers on the department that have expressed interest in continuing their education, and this cohort is just perfect," said Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd. "I think we have about 18 that are enrolled in the program right now."

For officers, the program provides an opportunity to build on training and experience they already have while gaining additional academic knowledge. Students complete the same courses required in the traditional criminal justice degree pathway, while the LEO format provides greater flexibility for working professionals.

The program also can support long-term career development. Redd said education can become part of an officer's professional portfolio as they pursue advancement within a department.

Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana said the program also creates a potential pathway for people who are considering a career in law enforcement.

The Sheriff's Office recently lowered its minimum age for corrections employment to 18, creating an opportunity for younger adults to enter the field, gain professional experience and continue their education.

"We wanted to get the young adults coming out of high school and get them into a program where they're actually earning their living and then they can come over here online or physically come over here and develop a law enforcement degree," Caruana said.

Caruana said the partnership also could provide opportunities for continued collaboration among RVC and local law enforcement agencies, including the potential for additional training opportunities in the future.

The first cohort of police officers has already begun the program.

"As the dean overseeing our criminal justice department, I'd like to thank once again Sheriff Caruana and Chief Carla Redd and the deputy chiefs of police who have invested their time and energy into helping to create this partnership," said Takeisha Lambert, dean of Arts & Social Sciences. "Our first cohort of police officers started their academic year this year, and we look forward to helping them fulfill their dreams of completing their degree."

The LEO Program is open to police officers who meet the program requirements. RVC also continues to offer its traditional criminal justice program for students who prefer a different course format or learning environment.

"This is an example of what can happen when our community comes together to create new opportunities," Spearman said. "We are RVC strong because our community is strong, and I thank you for being a part of the community."

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