Law Enforcement

You are here

CWI Law Enforcement Program

CWI Partners with Boise Police Department

College of Western Idaho (CWI) has partnered with the Boise Police Department (BPD) to allow officers to gain college credit for their academy training at BPD. Contact the CWI Law Enforcement program or BPD for more details.

Prepare for a career in law enforcement in College of Western Idaho's Law Enforcement program. This program has been approved by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council, eliminating the graduate's need to attend the basic police academy before taking the certification exam. Accepted applicants must turn 18 on or before the first day of class.

Areas of study students will focus on in the Law Enforcement program include:

Patrol Officer: Maintains order and protects life and property by enforcing local, tribal, State, or Federal laws and ordinances. Performs a combination of the following duties: patrols a specific area, directs traffic, issues traffic summonses, investigates accidents, apprehends and arrests suspects, or serves legal processes of courts.

Detention Officer: Provides security for inmates in detention/jail institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May supervise inmates in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other points. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time supervising inmates and providing security in detention facilities

Application Process and Requirements

Application for the Fall 2023 Law Enforcement program is now open through June 30, 2023.

Entry into this program is highly competitive, and a limited number of spots are available. The Pre-Application process is based on a case-by-case procedure. Program entry opportunities will be discussed with Law Enforcement program personnel. Accepted applicants must turn 18 on or before the first day of class.

The first step in the process for applying to the program is completing a Pre-Application which can be done by clicking the Apply Now button below.

Once the pre-application has been received, a law Enforcement program staff member will schedule an interview. Upon successful completion of an interview, staff will advise the student of the next step in the application process.

If you have any questions, please contact LeRoy Forsman at leroyforsman@cwi.edu.

Apply Now 

Mission

The program is designed to prepare students for a career in law enforcement at many levels and will utilize highly experienced instructors throughout the process. Students will get a strong mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and practicum experience.

Why This Program

The Law Enforcement program includes numerous courses with emphasis in Criminal Justice topics, Law Enforcement topics, and several practicums. The full Spring semester will be an on-campus patrol academy format and will give the successful student the opportunity to challenge the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training test without attending another academy. All classes will be taught by certified academy instructors. High emphasis will be on proper use of firearms, emergency vehicle operation, defensive tactics/arrest techniques, and fitness.

What You Will Learn to Do

  • Obtain the knowledge and technical skills for eligibility to become certified peace officers as set forth by the standards of the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training Academy for the State of Idaho
  • Become knowledgeable of the proper use of firearms, emergency vehicle operation, defensive tactics/arrest techniques, and fitness

Additional Opportunities

Students will get a strong mix of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and practicum experience.

Respectful Community

College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status.  More on Title IX

News and Blogs

Rake Up Caldwell Team

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.

LeRoy Forsman teaching a Law Enforcement class at CWI

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.

Student walking across the stage shaking hands with leadership

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

Law Enforcement students picking up trash along Interstate 84

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.

Law Enforcement students participating in Rake Up Nampa

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

Law Enforcement graduates pledging to follow the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

Classes 9 and 10 of College of Western Idaho’s Law Enforcement program were recognized during a ceremony May 6.