SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the New Mexico State Police (NMSP) have formed a partnership aimed at accelerating the path for students to become commissioned police officers. The collaboration allows criminal justice students at NMSU to gain practical law enforcement experience while completing their bachelor's degree.

The initiative was developed by NMSP Chief Troy Weisler, an alumnus of NMSU, and Dennis Giever, head of the university's Department of Criminal Justice. "This is what the future of academics is going to look like," said Giever. "It helps our students get a leg in the door for an actual job."

Previously, graduates had to apply separately to the NMSP Academy after earning their degree. Now, they can complete the academy as part of their final credit hours and receive compensation during this period. The program requires candidates to pass a competitive application process and complete a 20-week recruit academy.

Weisler commented on the benefits: "The partnership between the New Mexico State Police and NMSU's Criminal Justice Department offers a unique and invaluable opportunity for students." He emphasized that combining academic instruction with practical experience prepares students for careers with NMSP.

To accommodate increased interest, NMSU plans to hire more faculty through its Global Campus. Giever assured that both online and on-campus programs maintain equal standards: “At NMSU, we have the same faculty teaching both on our main campus and online.”

Associate Professor Marija Dimitrijevic noted significant student interest in law enforcement careers. She stated, “My students are always asking for the real-world application of what they’re learning.”

Chief Weisler expressed his commitment to building a robust recruitment pipeline from NMSU: “As an NMSU Criminal Justice program graduate myself, I can vouch for the high-quality instruction provided by NMSU educators.”

Giever also mentioned efforts to establish partnerships with other police departments, including one in Las Cruces led by another alumnus.

"We're still one of the largest programs on campus," Giever said, noting that law enforcement remains a popular career choice among criminal justice majors.