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Application Period Open
Applications are now being accepted through July 28 for the Fall 2023 class start. Learn more about the Application Process.
Overview
Get prepared for a dynamic career in one of the most important professions in our society. If you are looking for a rewarding, challenging, and impactful career, law enforcement may be the future for you.
We invite you to explore our program and discover the many opportunities that await you. With nearly 200 years of combined law enforcement experience, our instructors will prepare you, using state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on training, to make a difference in your community, and reach your career goals. As an Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council approved program, upon completion, you will be eligible to take the certification exam.
Career Opportunities
Your future career opportunities in Law Enforcement can include, police officer, dispatcher, sheriff, corrections officer, state trooper, patrol officer, detention officer, and more.
- Idaho annual median wage: $59,930
- National annual median wage: $65,790
- O*Net OnLine, June 2023
Get Started Today
Application Process and Requirements
The Law Enforcement program has a supplemental application process. Follow the steps below to get started.
Applications are being accepted through July 28 for classes beginning Fall 2023.
Step 1: Contact the Law Enforcement program by completing the Get Started form above.
Step 2: You will be contacted to set up an appointment to discuss your career goals and program requirements.
Step 3: Complete the program’s supplemental requirements for your chosen pathway.
Step 4: Complete the CWI Admission Application.
Get started today! This is a competitive program to get into and there are a limited number of spots available, don’t wait.
For questions or assistance, please contact:
LeRoy Forsman
leroyforsman@cwi.edu
208.562.2614
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.
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Minimum Age Requirement
18Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships. Visit Cost & Aid to view tuition and fees, explore types of aid, apply for federal financial aid, and more.
Are you a 2024 Idaho high school graduate? Learn how to get up to $8,000 of your tuition and fees covered at CWI through Idaho LAUNCH.
Career Info
Professions
- Police Officer
- Dispatcher
- Law Enforcement
- Sheriff
- Detention Officer
- Guard
- Traffic Officer
- Motorcycle Police
- State Trooper
- Jail
Employment opportunities include full-time, part-time, and volunteer work with law enforcement agencies in a variety of settings including patrol, dispatch, detention, and corrections. Agencies may include those at the city, county, state, and federal levels.
Locations
Instructors
Program Department Chair
Instructor(s)
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

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.

Law Enforcement graduate, Rigdon Reddish, has been hired at his dream job before he has even turned 21 years old.

Law Enforcement program tactical medical training offers a unique, bleeding mannequin no other agency in the region has.

Congratulations to Class 12 of College of Western Idaho’s Law Enforcement program who were honored during a ceremony, May 10.

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.

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.
Career & Technical Education
- Administrative Specialist
- Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology
- Automotive Technology
- Bookkeeping and Accounting
- Cisco Networking and Security Technologies
- Collision Repair Technology
- Computer Support Specialist
- Cybersecurity
- Dental Assisting
- Drafting Technology
- Education, Early Childhood
- Fire Service Management
- Fire Service Technology
- Heavy Duty Truck Technician
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Horticulture Technology
- Law Enforcement
- Machine Tool Technology
- Marketing Communications
- Medical Administrative Support
- Medical Assistant - Credit
- Network and System Administration
- Nursing, Practical
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Powersports and Small Engine Repair Technology
- Software Development
- Surgical Technology
- Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Welding and Metals Fabrication
- Wildland Fire Management