Southeast Missouri State University’s Law Enforcement Academy (LEA) is set to undergo a transformative renovation project, fueled in part by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. The planned upgrades will significantly enhance training capabilities and underscore SEMO’s long-standing commitment to strengthening public safety across the region.
The renovation will include 3,000 square feet of new space designed specifically for modern law enforcement training. Plans also include the addition of multiple new simulation environments, including use of force, driving, and firearms training simulators. A dedicated defensive tactics area will also be created, giving cadets a focused, hands-on space to practice real-world response and physical training scenarios. The renovation will include expanded parking and updated landscaping as well.
Since its founding in 1987, SEMO’s Law Enforcement Academy has trained and graduated more than 3,000 officers, many of whom serve in departments throughout southeast Missouri. With these upcoming enhancements, SEMO continues to ensure officers are well-prepared to meet the evolving challenges of public safety.
“These upgrades will take our academy to the next level,” said Dan Presson, assistant vice president of economic and workforce development at SEMO. “By investing in cutting-edge training tools and facilities, we’re not only supporting our cadets, but we’re also investing in the safety and strength of our region’s communities.”
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SEMO Director of Public Safety Dr. Richard Flotron says the changes will improve law enforcement training for the entire region.
“This investment allows us to train future officers in environments that reflect the complex realities they’ll face in the field,” said Flotron. “With modern simulation tools and expanded facilities, we’re preparing cadets to make critical decisions with confidence, professionalism, and a deep understanding of community engagement. This isn’t just an upgrade in infrastructure—it’s a transformation in how we train law enforcement. It showcases SEMO as a leader in forward-thinking, community-centered policing, benefiting public safety across the region for years to come.”
The renovation also marks a new era of collaboration between SEMO’s Law Enforcement Academy, the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Criminal Justice. Together, they will offer expanded experiential learning, enhanced training opportunities and pathways to academic degrees for those pursuing long-term careers in public safety.
As part of the Academy’s efforts to better serve future officers, SEMO is launching a new, streamlined admissions pathway for individuals who are only seeking law enforcement certification. Applicants can now apply directly to the Law Enforcement Academy without completing the full University admissions process. During the SEMO application, candidates will be asked if they intend to pursue federal financial aid. Those who opt out will be fast-tracked through the admissions process, allowing them to begin training quickly and with fewer administrative steps. This change is designed to make the Academy more accessible to a wider range of aspiring officers while maintaining a clear path to future academic opportunities.
This project reflects SEMO’s ongoing leadership in workforce development and its dedication to supporting agencies and departments committed to excellence in policing.
To learn more about the Law Enforcement Academy at SEMO, visit semo.edu/lea.