Montrose, CO — The Western Colorado Law Enforcement Academy, hosted by the Montrose Police Department in partnership with Colorado Mesa University and the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office, was recently recognized as ranking second among 26 law enforcement academies across the state of Colorado.
The Western Colorado Law Enforcement Academy, WCLEA, now in its 5th year, is a State of Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified academy, tasked with training the next generation of law enforcement officers in Colorado. The WCLEA, hosted in Montrose each summer, prepares students to pass the examinations required to become a Certified Colorado Peace Officer. This certification allows the graduate to work for any law enforcement agency in Colorado.
The 2026 class, currently in session, has 11 students sponsored by five different law enforcement agencies.
The WCLEA engages more than 50 instructors from numerous agencies and organizations throughout the region. All of them are professionals actively serving in law enforcement, fire departments, criminal justice, and more, according to WCLEA Director and Montrose Police Department Sgt. Courtney Jones.
After a rigorous screening process, students begin four demanding months of instruction and skill application designed to prepare them to protect the lives and property of residents of the communities they will serve. Students also learn valuable de-escalation skills to manage situations and protect the health and safety of those involved, including their own emotional, mental, and physical wellness. Through its first four completed summer sessions, the WCLEA has achieved a 100-percent pass rate on required skills and on Colorado’s POST Exam.
In 2025, the WCLEA ranked sixth out of the 26 Colorado law enforcement academies, based on the average POST test scores of each graduating law enforcement academy class.
"One thing I believe makes our students successful is the amount of time we spend introducing students to realistic circumstances peace officers will face through scenario-based training,” Jones said.
The intensive 17-week summer program provides hands-on training that exceeds state POST requirements and emphasizes real-world policing scenarios through adult learning models. Students start by learning the foundational concepts of Colorado law and constitutional provisions for lawful arrest, search, and seizure through reading assignments, case studies, and lectures, according to Jones.
“With instructor guidance, students then begin to investigate mock cases portrayed by role players, including domestic violence cases, traffic crashes, neighbor disputes, and crimes against children and the elderly,” Jones said. “Students also practice verbal de-escalation skills by working with role players to build rapport with someone experiencing a crisis or suffering from a mental health disorder.”
The academy prepares participants for a range of public safety careers, including serving as police officers, deputy sheriffs, parole and corrections officers, probation officers, wildlife managers, and federal or state law enforcement roles.
"I’m proud of our academy director, Sgt. Courtney Jones, and our instructor staff at Montrose PD, along with our partners at Colorado Mesa University and the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office," said Montrose Police Chief Blaine Hall. “This ranking doesn’t just happen. It takes dedication, hard work, patience, and being an excellent instructor for students to have a 100% success rate. The WCLEA is really something special, and it’s recognized throughout the State of Colorado.”
Students who complete the academy earn 31 college credits, which can be applied toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice or a Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice (POST Academy) through Colorado Mesa University. Graduates may also articulate their credits toward a Bachelor of Applied Science in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Additional program highlights include tuition-free options for qualifying students, limited on-campus housing, and instruction from experienced law enforcement professionals.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old by the start of the academy. The application process opens in February. For more information, visit the academy website.
For more information about the Montrose Police Department, visit their website: MontrosePD.com.