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June 14, 2021–A veteran law enforcement officer in northwest ´óÏó´«Ã½ will become commander of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Law Enforcement Academy later this month. Capt. Joseph King, a 1997 graduate of ´óÏó´«Ã½ Western, will begin his duties June 28.

King has been in law enforcement for 29 years, working for the St. Joseph Police Department, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, and most recently with the Platte County Sheriff’s Office. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice-Administration and Law Enforcement from ´óÏó´«Ã½, and a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati.

King has been a law enforcement trainer for 21 years with extensive experience in law enforcement continuing education and basic recruit training. He has been the site coordinator for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Sheriffs’ Association Training Academy hosted by Platte County for six classes. He has been an adjunct professor / instructor, teaching criminal justice courses for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Western and Vatterott College.

In addition to law enforcement supervisory experience in administration, patrol and communications, King has held command leadership positions in emergency management and communications, detention, patrol and administration.

King replaces Kip Wilson, who is retiring this month after 31 years at ´óÏó´«Ã½ Western, including 12 years as director of the Law Enforcement Academy.

´óÏó´«Ã½ Western’s Law Enforcement Academy prepares cadets to become commissioned law enforcement officers. The academy is certified by the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Department of Public Safety Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission and graduates are eligible for a POST certificate. Degree-seeking ´óÏó´«Ã½ Western students can also earn college credit toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

The next class starts Monday, July 12. Applications are currently being accepted. For more information, visit .

´óÏó´«Ã½ is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. ´óÏó´«Ã½ Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit .