CEI, Dylan’s Legacy partner to train local law enforcement officers
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IDAHO FALLS — It’s now more convenient for eastern Idaho residents pursuing a law enforcement career since a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy began operating at the College of Eastern Idaho.
The program allows officers and recruits to complete their state-mandated training locally rather than traveling to Boise for several weeks.
“This has really been a labor of love,” said Trevor Elordi, a former California police officer who now works with CEI. “I felt it was important that the officers working in this area are trained in the community as well. It gives them an opportunity to come for training during the day and go home to their families at night.”
The POST Academy at CEI has already launched its first class, with a second session beginning in February. It’s part of a growing effort to expand public safety resources in eastern Idaho.
Candice Cooley helped organize the new training site. Her son, Dylan Rounds, was murdered on a remote farm in northern Utah and she’s been working on the program with local law enforcement
“This is a huge step forward. Most people don’t even know we have a POST Academy in Idaho Falls,” she said. “Usually everybody would have to go to Boise, so it’s amazing we now have it here.”
In addition to the POST Academy, CEI is partnering with Dylan’s Legacy, a foundation Cooley established in honor of her son, for a forensic data training on Dec. 1–2. It will provide hands-on instruction in digital investigations and is part of CEI’s Workforce Training program.
Raffle tickets for a variety of prizes are being sold to help cover the cost for local law enforcement officers to attend the training. Sponsors are also being accepted. You can learn more about the forensic data training here.
The academy’s approach to physical training and classroom instruction is also being modernized. Instead of traditional workouts, participants use a CrossFit-style program designed to mimic real-life police scenarios — such as quickly transitioning from sitting in a patrol car to responding to a call.
“The training is very scenario-based,” said Scot Esmay, a POST coordinator. “We’re putting them in situations they’ll actually face on the job once they become full-time law enforcement officers.”
Open enrollment for the next session will begin in the spring. Interested applicants can visit the College of Eastern Idaho’s website to register and complete the required application steps.
Once certified through the academy, graduates are eligible to work for law enforcement agencies across Idaho.
“This is a great recruitment tool for our local departments,” Elordi said. “We’re helping build the future of law enforcement right here at home.”