Arizona using $7.5M in CARES Act funding for Yuma law enforcement academy

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday announced the state was spending $7.5 million in federal COVID relief funding to increase law enforcement career training.

The CARES Act money will go toward expanding the Law Enforcement Training Academy at Arizona Western College, a community college in Yuma.

“By increasing the capacity at this advanced training facility in southern Arizona, statewide law enforcement personnel will have the unique opportunity to learn about the challenges of protecting Arizonans in border communities and across the state,” Ducey said in a press release.

The academy offers a 20-week program that is fully accredited by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards And Training Board.

“This funding will allow AWC to construct a regional training facility serving local law enforcement agencies across rural Arizona,” Dr. Daniel Corr, the school’s president, said in the release.

Arizona Western has been training law enforcement cadets since 1984 and works with 15 agencies in the region.

“By simply working together towards a common goal the vision of a local new, expanded and modern basic training academy for much needed certified peace officers is a reality,” Yuma County Sheriff Leon Wilmot, an alumnus of the academy, said in the release.

“What an outstanding achievement by all involved and a public safety benefit to the Yuma County community for years to come.”

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