Pre-Service Program

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Category: Basic Training
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What is the Pre-Service Program?

The Pre-Service Program provides qualified persons the opportunity to gain certified entry-level law enforcement training at their own expense, thereby making them highly valuable applicants to potential law enforcement employers. Peace Officer Basic, Detention Officer Basic and Public Safety Communications Personnel Basic courses are available for Pre-Service students at the Academy’s 55 acre complex, encompassing nearly 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art training facilities, dormitory and support facilities.

A Pre-Service graduate is highly marketable for several reasons: 1) Employing agencies save expenses associated with training since graduates are eligible to become certified officers as soon as they are hired. 2) Completion of the Pre-Service Program reflects traits of personal dedication and self-discipline, valuable to any potential employer. 3) Pre-Service graduates have the opportunity to experience and evaluate the demands and realities a law enforcement career before making a long-term employment commitment.

Completion of the Pre-Service Program does not automatically guarantee a graduate a law enforcement job. Success depends on each student’s initiative, abilities and accomplishments. However, the Academy actively assists Pre-Service students in identifying and securing law enforcement positions, and enjoys a placement ratio in excess of 90%.

For a complete explanation of the WLEA Pre-Service Program, you may download the Pre-Service Information Guide (requires Adobe Acrobat).

Are there any requirements that must be met before being selected to attend training?

All Pre-Service candidates must meet the same basic selection standards used by all Wyoming law enforcement agencies:

  • Be a United States citizen;
  • Be a high school graduate or possess evidence of an equivalent achievement;
  • Possess a valid driver's license;
  • Not have a conviction of any crime(s) punishable by imprisonment in a federal or state correctional facility;
  • Be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation;
  • Be free of any physical, emotional, or mental condition which would adversely affect the performance of the duties of a peace officer, detention officer, or public safety communications officer as determined by a complete medical examination and comprehensive psychological test;
  • Pass a rigorous, health-based physical fitness assessment (peace officer and detention officer applicants only);
  • Achieve a critical score of 70% on the Academy's Police Officer Selection Test.

A non-refundable application fee of $400.00 must accompany applications for Peace Officer, Detention Officer and Public Safety Communications Basic courses. Applications will not be processed until fees are received. Tuition and fees for Peace Officer Basic are $4175.00, Detention Officer Basic is $2250.00 and for the Public Safety Communications Basic is $900.00. Pre-Service applications are only available through the Pre-service program representatives.

Upon receiving an Application with the non-refundable fee the Academy begins a back ground, followed by 2 days of testing conducted at the Academy, consisting of a:

1. Physical fitness assessment.

2. Written and oral psychological evaluation.

3. Written remedial test for P.O.S.T. (basic math, english, reading comprehension)

Should you successfully complete the process and your back ground is favorable, you may receive an invitation to attend the upcoming Basic.

*All tuition and fees are subject to change and are payable in U.S. dollars.

Financial assistance may be available in the form of deferred payment plans, Veteran’s Assistance (VA) Benefits, or Work Force Investment Aid (WFIA).

  • GI Bill - Once you are invited to attend the Academy and your basic course begins, we will process the necessary paperwork for you to receive these benefits. However, you will be responsible for the payment of 100% of the cost of the course up front with the VA paying you directly for any benefits.
  • Deferred Payment plan - Once you are invited to attend the Academy you will be responsible for the payment of $2400.00 on the first day of class, with remaining balance due on Friday of the 5th week of class (POB), and Friday of the 3rd week of class (DOB).
  • The State of Wyoming has a "Workforce Investment Act". This is available through the Wyoming Employment Resources Division. If you qualify for this program, the Division may pay for the entire cost of the course. To qualify for this program you must apply through the Wyoming Employment Resources Division.

To obtain further information or to receive an application on the Pre-Service Training Program, call 307.358.3617 and ask for a Pre-Service representative or email Joyce Reiber at JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING to request more information via E-mail.