The Program
Law Enforcement Officers patrol an assigned beat either by foot, bicycle, motorcycle or patrol car, to control traffic, prevent crime or disturbance of the peace, and arrest violators of the law. These duties could be performed for police departments, railroads, department stores, airlines, or other agencies. You familiarize yourself with your beat and with persons living in the area; note suspicious persons and establishments and report them to your superior officer; report hazards that endanger public safety; report to the scene of accidents, give first aid to the injured, and investigate the causes and results of the accident; direct and reroute traffic around a fire or other disturbance; inspect public establishments requiring licenses to ensure compliance with rules and regulations; warn or arrest persons violating animal ordinances; issue tickets to traffic violators; write and file daily activity reports with your superior officer; drive patrol car or police ambulance.
The Law Enforcement Program is designed to prepare graduates to enter the law enforcement field. The Law Enforcement Program has been duly approved by the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Council, thus eliminating the graduates' need to attend the basic police academy before taking the certification exam. Because the Law Enforcement Program is driven by POST standards for certification into the law enforcement field, applicants to the program must meet POST standards for admission. These admission standards include a background check into the applicants' criminal, driving and psychological record.
Helpful High School Courses
English, First Aid, Sociology, Physical Education, Keyboarding, Mathematics
Course Sequence (.pdf)
Program begins in August and January
Program length is 2 to 4 1/2 semesters
Admits 36 students each year
Typical classroom hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 days per week
Summer Session - mandatory if entering in January and will complete Technical Certificate in October
View Course Sequence
View Complete Course List
Certificates and Degrees
- Technical Certificate Law Enforcement
- Associate of Applied Science degree Law Enforcement.
- There are special application procedures associated with this program. Contact Student Services at (208) 282-2622.
Program Requirements
Admission requirements:
Application for Admission
Application fee
High school transcript or GED
COMPASS Placement Test or ACT scores
Background Check, Physical, Fingerprints, Physical Agility Test
Register early - admission is based on space availability.
Admission Steps
- Complete and return an Application for Admission along with a check or money order for $40 (non-refundable), payable to Idaho State University. You may also apply online.
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable, from each accredited institution of higher education that you have attended.
- Submit an official copy of your high school transcript or GED scores (Not required if you have completed and submitted proof of 14 or more academic credits from an accredited institution of higher education.)
- Meet with a College of Technology counselor, if desired, to obtain more in-depth information. To make an appointment, call (208)282-2622.
- Either:
- Complete the COMPASS Placement test. This test enables us to place you in the appropriate classes to enhance your success in college.
- Submit ACT/SAT scores, valid for seven (7) years from the date of testing.
- Apply for financial aid if needed. Questions, call (208) 282-2756.
Registration Fees
Fees apply to the current Idaho State University fee schedule which includes mandatory student health insurance.
| Class | Amount | Purpose of Fee |
|---|---|---|
| LAWE 180/Patrol Proc I | $235.00 | ammo, course materials |
| Polygraph fee – non-refundable | $125.00 | |
| LAWE 181/Patrol Proc II | $50.00 | course materials |
Paying for College
You may apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans to help finance your college education. When you pay registration fees, you are a student of Idaho State University with the privileges and responsibilities of a college student.
Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity at ISU
Career Opportunities
97% of 2007 Law Enforcement graduates were employed in related jobs.
Employment Opportunities
- Federal, state, county, municipal and special jurisdiction levels of government
- Corrections
- Detention
- Security for various companies
- Probation and Parole
- Median income -Idaho $37,550, and nationally, $46,290 in this field*
- About 2,940 police officers work in this occupation in Idaho*
* Idaho Career Information Systems data
All AAS degrees will articulate into the Bachelor of Applied Technology.