Enrollment up at Law Enforcement Training Institute

Enrollment is up at the Law Enforcement Training Institute in Columbia.

ABC 17 News talked to officials at the police academy Monday who confirm the current class started 29 people.

Assistant Director Adam Duncan says over the course of the last 7 years the average enrollment has been 24 students per academy class.

He says the new enrollment numbers reverse a trend the academy saw following the incidents in Ferguson.

“Interest in law enforcement as a career waned as police practices and motives were questioned,” Duncan said.

Duncan believes the academy is seeing community members become more involved.

“A common theme among our new recruits is the desire to better their communities,” Duncan said.

Other factors that could also be contributing to higher enrollment are an increase in department sponsored students as well as intensified recruiting efforts.