Law Enforcement

Your Career in Law Enforcement Starts with this POST-Certified Program

Law Enforcement students in classroom

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

$5,365 – 9,535

Additional cost may apply.

Time to Complete

1 – 2 years

Primary Location

Law enforcement instructor teaching a group of students in the classroom

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.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Law Enforcement – Associate of Applied Science Degree

2

YEARS

AAS

Law Enforcement – Intermediate Technical Certificate

1

YEAR

ITC

Police with police dog in foggy parking lot

Career Opportunities

  • Postsecondary Teachers

    1434

    Annual Openings*

    $35.69

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $74,235

    Annual Median Salary

    45.6%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Managers, All Other

    All managers not listed separately.

    548

    Annual Openings*

    $27.11

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $56,389

    Annual Median Salary

    27.37%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

    Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

    77

    Annual Openings*

    $39.42

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $81,994

    Annual Median Salary

    18.76%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

“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
Holland Ahern
Student, Law Enforcement

Admissions

Admission into the Law Enforcement program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process.

STEP 1

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 open in November.

Academic Calendar New Student Checklist

News

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 Country

Congratulations to Class 11 of College of Western Idaho’s Law Enforcement program who were honored during a ceremony, May 11.

Read more about Ceremony Honors 2022 Law Enforcement Graduates

Law Enforcement students from College of Western Idaho could be spotted along Interstate 84 picking up trash in early April as part of Idaho’s Adopt-a-Highway program.

Read more about Law Enforcement Students Adopt a Highway

Students from College of Western Idaho’s Law Enforcement give back by serving the community during Rake Up Nampa.

Read more about Law Enforcement Students Help Rake Up Nampa
View all news

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