NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New Mexico State University students who are studying criminal justice have a new opportunity to get hands-on law enforcement experience while completing the final 15 credit hours of their bachelor's degree. Story continues below Archive Video: ‘Lit up like huge jack-o’-lanterns,’ a look at Balloon Fiesta’s first glow in 1987 Education: APS looking into calendar year options including pushing start of school year back Balloon Fiesta: APD beefs up patrols to stay ahead of thieves during Balloon Fiesta News: Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office charges pair with elder abuse New Mexico State Police has partnered with the Department of Criminal Justice at New Mexico State University to allow students to kickstart their law enforcement careers when applying to the NMSP Academy. When students complete the academy, they will meet the final requirements for their criminal justice degree and be commissioned as New Mexico State Police officers. "As an NMSU Criminal Justice program graduate myself, I can vouch for the high-quality instruction provided by NMSU educators," Troy Weisler, chief of the New Mexico State Police, said in a news release. "By combining their classroom knowledge with the practical experience gained in our academy, students can set themselves up for a rewarding career with New Mexico's elite law enforcement agency, the New Mexico State Police."