Central Wyoming College Launching Police Academy in Fall 2026

The new program will provide a pathway to law enforcement careers in the region.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Central Wyoming College is preparing to launch the Central Wyoming College Police Academy in Riverton, Wyoming, beginning in Fall 2026. The academy will offer Fall and Spring semester cohorts, with an anticipated 10-12 cadets per cohort, providing a high-quality, regionally accessible pathway for individuals to begin a career in law enforcement. The curriculum is currently under development and will move through the approval process in the coming months, with the first academy cohort tentatively planned as a full-semester program starting in Fall 2026.

Why it matters

The new police academy at Central Wyoming College will strengthen access to professional law enforcement training for Central Wyoming and surrounding rural communities. By locating the academy in Riverton, cadets can train close to home, reducing relocation barriers while supporting local agencies seeking well-prepared, community-rooted officers. The academy will also contribute to Central Wyoming College's role as a regional education and training hub, strengthening partnerships with local law enforcement, courts, and public safety organizations.

The details

The CWC Police Academy will deliver the foundational training required for certification and employment with law enforcement agencies. Cadets will receive instruction in criminal law, constitutional policing, ethics, defensive tactics, de-escalation techniques, use of force decision making, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, investigations, less lethal weapons, driving while under the influence enforcement, and community-oriented policing. The academy will also emphasize communication, judgment, professionalism, and accountability—skills essential to serving today's communities.

  • The CWC Police Academy curriculum is currently under development and will move through the approval process in February 2026.
  • The first academy cohort is tentatively planned as a full-semester program beginning in Fall 2026.

The players

Central Wyoming College

A community college located in Riverton, Wyoming, that is preparing to launch the Central Wyoming College Police Academy.

Andrew Hanson

An instructor of criminal justice at Central Wyoming College who will play a key role in the development and instruction of the Central Wyoming College Police Academy.

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What they’re saying

“Our graduates don't just complete a program; they leave with added value that most training programs can't match. The depth of what we provide sets us apart, and it's why our program will be second to none. We are providing a path into a meaningful career. Our graduates will be eligible for Peace Officer Basic Certification through Wyoming POST.”

— Andrew Hanson, Instructor of Criminal Justice, Central Wyoming College (county10.com)

What’s next

The Central Wyoming College Police Academy curriculum is currently under development and will move through the approval process in the coming months, with the first academy cohort tentatively planned as a full-semester program beginning in Fall 2026.

The takeaway

The launch of the Central Wyoming College Police Academy in Riverton will provide a much-needed, regionally accessible pathway for individuals to begin a career in law enforcement, strengthening the pipeline of well-trained, community-rooted officers for local agencies in Central Wyoming and the surrounding rural communities.