Preparing for the Badge
Preparing for the Badge
When Alyssa Detillion first began searching for a police academy, she knew she wanted something close to home, but she also wanted a program that would push her to become the best officer she could be.
After hearing about North Central’s Police Academy from a friend who had already completed the program and moved into law enforcement, she decided to take a closer look.
“What stood out to me was how they did things here,” she said. “I wanted something that would challenge me and prepare me for the real profession. I’m really happy with my decision.”
Detillion graduated from the academy in February and became a road patrol deputy for the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department.
“It was definitely intimidating at first,” she admitted. “Law enforcement has traditionally been male-dominated, and I knew I was walking into something new. But everyone has been incredibly supportive, and it’s been going really well.”
Detillion scored an impressive 98% on the state test. Like many graduates, she describes the academic experience as one of the hardest and most rewarding challenges in her life.
“There were moments where I thought, ‘I can’t do this.’ It’s extremely challenging,” she said. “But it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. This academy teaches you everything you need to know, and I felt more than confident entering the profession afterward.”
Her success represents more than just a personal achievement. It’s also an example for the next generation.
“I think it’s important for young girls to see women in this profession,” she said. “We work with all kinds of people in the community, and I’ve already had interactions with young girls who look up to what I’m doing. I want them to know they can do this too.”
Beyond the classroom and the training grounds, the academy also built lasting friendships among classmates.
“We became really close,” she said. “There were 15 of us in the class, and we leaned on each other during the difficult moments. Without that support system, I don’t know if I would’ve made it through.”
Today, she plans to continue serving locally while building her future in law enforcement, and she encourages anyone considering the profession to take the leap.
“I highly recommend this academy,” she said. “It will change you, but it will absolutely prepare you.”
Applications Now Open
North Central’s Police Academy is now accepting applications for the next academy class. If you are interested in a career in law enforcement and want training that will challenge, prepare, and support you every step of the way, now is the time to learn more.
The Fall 2026 full-time day academy will begin on August 24, 2026. Classes will meet Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kehoe Center in Shelby. Two full weekends are also required to complete the day academy; one weekend will be for driving skills, and one weekend will be for Field Sobriety Testing (live drinkers).
Physical Testing for students who intend to enroll in the Fall 2026 Police Academy schedule is currently listed on the Police Academy webpage. Physical Testing (PT) is required for all candidates. Multiple PT opportunities will be given at the Kehoe Center, the Shelby campus of NC State. You will be tested on the OPOTA Academy Physical Standards.