Students in College of Western Idaho’s Law Enforcement program participated in the Adopt-A-Highway initiative as part of their ongoing commitment to community service, environmental stewardship...
Read more about Law Enforcement Students Step Up for Spring Community CleanupLaw Enforcement
Your Career in Law Enforcement Starts with this POST-Certified Program
Program Overview
Are you driven by a sense of justice and a desire to serve your community? College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers a Law Enforcement program tailored to equip you for a rewarding career in law enforcement and detention settings. This program, leading to either an Intermediate Technical Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science degree in Law Enforcement, integrates a Basic Patrol Academy approved by the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Council.
Immerse yourself in rigorous training that meets all Idaho POST requirements, including physical fitness, marksmanship, and written examinations. Selective and competitive, CWI's Law Enforcement program necessitates a supplemental application process. You will undergo a thorough selection process, including a comprehensive background check, polygraph examination, and more, ensuring your readiness for this critical field.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Applied Science
Intermediate Technical Certificate
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
1 – 2 years
Primary Location
Applications Open
The Fall 2025 program application deadline for Law Enforcement is Wednesday, July 30.
Learning Opportunities
- POST Certified Training: Experience comprehensive training that satisfies all requirements for basic academy training in patrol and detention.
- Expert Instructors: Learn from over 60 subject matter experts, all POST certified who have or are actively working in the field.
- Advanced Technology: Train with the most advanced law enforcement technology available in the region.
- Practical Field Experience: Gain real-world experience through patrol and detention practicums with various agencies.
- Community Engagement: Participate in community projects, preparing you for a lifetime of public service.
Areas of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Law Enforcement – Associate of Applied Science Degree
Degree Requirements
Cost: $10,960
Law Enforcement – Intermediate Technical Certificate
Certificate Requirements
Cost: $6,245
Career Opportunities
Managers, All Other
All managers not listed separately.
231
Annual Openings*
$30.48
Hourly Median Wage*
$63,398
Annual Median Salary
18.26%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Postsecondary Teachers
192
Annual Openings*
$35.10
Hourly Median Wage*
$73,008
Annual Median Salary
18.28%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
29
Annual Openings*
$43.40
Hourly Median Wage*
$90,272
Annual Median Salary
6.05%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™, a labor market analytics tool, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Testimonial Carousel
“I have a deep desire to help people, and I have always wanted to be someone people can rely on. There is no better way to help the community and to help others in need than to be a first responder because you are the first thing people think of during the worst moments of their lives. I feel like I have finally found the career of my life, I am excited to start work once I graduate. I am ready to go.” Read more > about CWI Law Enforcement Program Filling Gaps around State and Country
Admissions
Admission into the Law Enforcement program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process.
STEP 1
- Request more information to express interest and be contacted by a program representative.
Step 2
- Review the Law Enforcement Application Steps which includes details on:
- qualifications and cost
- the pre-application process
- admission to CWI
- entrance and polygraph exams
- background checks
- POST application and training
- certification and employment
STEP 3
- Complete each step of the application process as indicated by the deadline.
Fall 2025 Application Period
- Applications close July 30, 2025.
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
News
Juanita Hernandez, a first-generation college student and single mother, overcame significant challenges to pursue her dream of working in law enforcement. With support from her family and the...
Read more about From CWI to Patrol: Juanita Hernandez’s Journey to Serve
Congratulations to Class 14 of College of Western Idaho’s Law Enforcement program who were honored during a ceremony, Monday, May 12, at the Nampa Civic Center.
Read more about Ceremony Honors 2025 Law Enforcement Graduates
Early on Sept. 11, students from CWI and members of the Nampa Fire and Police Depts. honored those who have fallen.
Read more about Remembering 9/11: CWI Fire and Law Enforcement Students Honor the Fallen
Law Enforcement program students hosted a charity golf tournament for the Nampa Family Justice Center, raising more than $1,400.
Read more about CWI Law Enforcement Students Raise Funds for Abuse Victims
Law Enforcement students, faculty, and staff joined forces to help rake and clean up around homes in Nampa
Read more about Law Enforcement Students Help Rake Up Nampa
College of Western Idaho Fire Service Technology and Law Enforcement students paid tribute and honored the lives affected by the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, at a Memorial Ceremony.
Read more about CWI Fire and Law Enforcement Students Honor Heroes and Victims of 9/11
Law Enforcement graduate, Rigdon Reddish, has been hired at his dream job before he has even turned 21 years old.
Read more about Getting a Head Start on His Dreams Through CWI
Law Enforcement program tactical medical training offers a unique, bleeding mannequin no other agency in the region has.
Read more about Law Enforcement Program Leading Region in Tactical Medical Training
Congratulations to Class 12 of College of Western Idaho’s Law Enforcement program who were honored during a ceremony, May 10.
Read more about Ceremony Honors 2023 Law Enforcement Graduates
College of Western Idaho’s Law Enforcement program helped clean and rake up some homes in the Treasure Valley as part of this year’s Rake Up Caldwell.
Read more about CWI Law Enforcement Students Help Rake Up Caldwell
College of Western Idaho’s Law Enforcement program looks to train and produce first responders of tomorrow which will also fill gaps in law enforcement officer shortages around the state.
Read more about CWI Law Enforcement Program Filling Gaps around State and CountryRequest More Information
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