For more than a decade East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma has operated a Criminal Justice degree program as one of its most successful professional and academic programs. ECU offers both Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degree programs in criminal justice. When students complete their Bachelor of Arts degree through the Collegiate Officers Program (COPS) at East Central University (ECU) in Ada, they have also completed the formal education requirements for certification as a peace or police officer by Oklahoma’s Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET). ECU has developed close affiliations with the U.S. Department of Justice and is successful in competing for state, federal, and tribal grants in related programs such as Community Oriented Policing Services, campus safety, prevention of domestic violence, and distance learning for rural and tribal law enforcement agencies.
ECU’s expertise in criminal justice and law enforcement education and their long-term relationship with CLEET were key to Ada’s selection as the coveted home of CLEET’s new training center. CLEET is an Oklahoma State Agency responsible for continuing education and certification of Oklahoma’s criminal justice and law enforcement personnel.
Construction on CLEET’s new $25 million, 360-acre law enforcement training complex on the Northwest side of Ada in Pontotoc County began in 2004. The site includes dormitories, classrooms, a driving range, and a shooting range. When completed, CLEET’s operation is expected to bring 500 visitors per year to Ada, including trainers, trainees, and conferees. Each day 150 cadets, employees, and instructors will be engaged in training at the CLEET facility. The facility can handle up to 100 students, plus 200 continuing education students. Students in regular training will participate in 9-week programs. Dormitories on campus will house up to 120 people. Students and instructors beyond that number will either drive back or forth, or seek other housing accommodations in Ada and the surrounding area. The facility will employ 40 full-time regular employees.
Thirty miles to the south, at Murray State College, Tishomingo, is one of the nation’s most successful gunsmithing programs. Murray State College's gunsmithing program provides all the training and skills necessary fo profesionally gunsmithing. Custom gunsmithing and gun repair are other topics covered during the two year degree program. Students in the gunsmithing program also attend certification schools to insure knowledge of updated factory procedures.
ECU, CLEET, and the Murray State College represent valuable “anchor assets” toward creation of a competitive advantage for the Ada area in creating jobs related to safety training and related products.
These complementary undertakings represent the emergence of an industry cluster with potential for significant growth. Training for law enforcement and homeland security creates well-paid quality jobs while enhancing the quality of life in rural Oklahoma. The Ada Jobs Foundation recognizes this emerging industry cluster and its potential competitive advantage for the Ada area and for surrounding counties of Southeast and South Central Oklahoma.
The Ada Jobs Foundation strives to make the best use of economic development dollars with targeted marketing. It is prudent to direct economic development efforts toward industries in which Ada will have a competitive advantage, rather than casting a wide net for all possible types of industries. This strategy is no different from that of a hunter who has a better chance of success if he knows his prey before setting out. By drafting a vision, we intend to facilitate community input as to the characteristics of Ada’s future economy.
A diversified economy is always a goal; and so while the Ada Jobs Foundation has set out upon a targeted approach, we do not overlook opportunities for growth and diversification outside of identified targets.