Idaho law enforcement enrollment declines in strong economy

police

A strong economy and lingering anti-police sentiment have kept law enforcement training enrollment dwindling across Idaho.

In 2016, leaders of training programs cited low pay, strict state standards, age requirements, and anti-police culture as playing a role in the decline.  Both the College of Southern Idaho and Idaho State University revamped their 11-month programs, shortening them to a semester, in hopes of enticing more people.

Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training, which offers certification for patrol officers along with other types of certifications, also shows a dip in the number of students in its patrol academies.  Prior to 2010 the Meridian facility saw an average enrollment of 200 students annually in its patrol academies.  By 2015 that had dropped to 149 a year.  In 2016 the academies registered 133 patrol officers, and there are 125 for 2017.

Officials say legalization of marijuana in surrounding states may also influence some potential candidates’ decisions on pursuing a career as a police officer in Idaho.  The Gem State’s rules for admission into a law enforcement program include no use of marijuana in the past three years, and no habitual use in the past five.  (Times-News)