The Idaho Falls Police Department training division is an important part of the day-to-day operations. This division ensures that police officers and professional staff maintain the highest and most up-to-date information and training to perform their jobs to the best ability.
Department Training
In the state of Idaho, a sworn police officer must undergo at least 40 hours of training every 2 years to maintain their POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification. Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD) officers receive at least 40 to 55 hours of training per year, exceeding the state minimum. In some cases officers will undergo many more hours of training depending upon their specialty skills - such as K9 handler, SWAT member, bomb squad technician - beyond the department's minimum.
Annually, officers will undergo a week-long "block training."
In this training, officers will participate in a multitude of classes
designed to hone and improve their skills. Classes include arrest
techniques, active shooter training, and city code and state law review.
In addition to the week-long "block training" the training division
hosts different training courses taught by specialized instructors
throughout the year. These courses provide in-depth training beyond the
general scope of basic law enforcement training. Courses include
training in drug investigations, criminal investigations and street
crimes. These training courses are not only offered to IFPD employees,
but is open to other agencies that would like to attend.
Citizen's Police Academy
As part of their community outreach, the training division facilitates
the annual Citizen's Police Academy which gives citizens a better
understanding and inside look at law enforcement.