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PRESS RELEASE: NOVEMBER 5, 2026

SJR State partnership gives Edward Waters grads fast track into law enforcement careers

Criminal justice majors at Edward Waters University can now graduate with a career-ready advantage thanks to their 3+1 pathway and a new agreement with St. Johns River State College.

According to Jocelyn Wells, department chair for EWU’s Criminal Justice and Forensic Science department, the collaboration with SJR State’s Law Enforcement Officer Academy represents another meaningful step in strengthening connections and creating additional pathways for student success.

“At Edward Waters University, we recognize the importance of building strong institutional partnerships that expand opportunities for our students,” Wells said. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring and look forward to working closely with St. Johns River State College to build a lasting relationship that benefits our students, both institutions, and the communities we serve.”

Tim Adams, SJR State’s dean of criminal justice, said the agreement allows EWU students to complete both training tracks simultaneously. “Instead of waiting until after graduation to enroll in a police academy—which normally adds months to their career path—students will graduate career ready and eligible for employment as law enforcement officers,” Adams said.

SJR State’s Florida Law Enforcement Officer Academy is located on the St. Augustine Campus. The curriculum is prescribed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission in accordance with Florida Statutes. Upon completion of the program, candidates will be eligible to take the state exam for law enforcement officer.

Why SJR State?

  • Experienced Faculty including retired FBI, Sheriff’s Office Command Staff, and military veterans.
  • Graduates include a local sheriff and chiefs of police.
  • Academy graduates surpass the state certification exam average: Law Enforcement average over 95% passage rate.
  • Approximately 90% of employed graduates work for agencies in Northeast Florida.

The SJR State advantage
Ask any student and they will tell you that confidence is gained from experience. It is what instructors and employers call the "competitive edge."

  • State-of-the-art simulators, forensics labs, and equipment provide the latest hands-on training
  • Instructors are current professionals in their field

Visit https://www.sjrstate.edu/law today.