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Make a Difference in Wyoming: Help Train Your Local Law Enforcement Officers

AARP Wyoming is teaming up with the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas

AARP

Published September 11, 2026

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A Community Partnership Supporting Wyoming Law Enforcement

AARP Wyoming is partnering with the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy (WLEA) in Douglas to connect everyday community members with a unique and rewarding volunteer opportunity. WLEA trains law enforcement officers from across Wyoming using hands-on, scenario-based exercises, and they rely on local volunteers to help bring those exercises to life.

Whether you have always had a friendly relationship with law enforcement or simply want to give back to your community, this is a chance to make a difference for the officers who protect Wyoming every day.

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Many Roles Are Available, From Low-Key to More Involved

Not every role requires a lot of physical activity or intensity. WLEA training scenarios cover a wide range of situations, from everyday encounters like traffic stops to more complex, involved exercises. Role players are matched to scenarios based on what they are comfortable doing, and every participant is fully coached and scripted before the exercise begins.

If you are not sure a role is right for you, fill out the Volunteer Information Form, and someone from WLEA will follow up to talk through your options.

Upcoming Training Opportunity: Active Shooter Exercise in Douglas

The current immediate need is for role players for an Active Shooter training exercise at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy in Douglas. Volunteer sessions are available on the following dates:

Wednesday, September 23, 2026: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Thursday, September 24, 2026: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Thursday, September 24, 2026: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Volunteers may sign up for one or more sessions based on their schedule. Spots are limited, and sign-up is open now.

What to Expect as a Role Player

Once you are matched to a role, you will receive full coaching and a script (when applicable) before anything begins. Depending on your assignment, you may:

Portray a victim (seated, lying down, or moving through the scene)
Take on the role of a suspect during the scenario
Be asked to run or remain on the ground for a period of time

Your safety is taken seriously. Students are directed not to strike role players, and no physical contact between students and volunteers will occur. Only blank-fire guns and non-projectile airsoft blank-fire training pistols and rifles are used in exercises. Safety officers are always present.

Who Can Volunteer

This opportunity is open to Wyoming community members who want to give back and support their local law enforcement. Willingness to follow directions and a good relationship with law enforcement is all you need to get started.

Please note that individuals with a felony conviction are not eligible to participate as role players in WLEA training exercises.

If you have questions about eligibility before filling out the form, reach out to Megan Doneski directly.

About the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy

The Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy (WLEA) is located in Douglas, Wyoming, and provides specialized training for law enforcement officers throughout the state. Their scenario-based approach prepares officers for the real situations they encounter in communities across Wyoming.

To learn more about what WLEA offers, visit wleacademy.com/upcoming-courses.

Ready to Sign Up? Fill Out the Volunteer Information Form

Wyoming community members interested in volunteering as role players should complete the Volunteer Information Form as their first step. It takes just a few minutes, and a WLEA team member will follow up with the next steps.

Complete the Volunteer Information Form

Questions? Contact Megan Doneski, Advanced Training Coordinator at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy:

Main: (307) 358-3617
Direct: (307) 358-8210
Email: megan.doneski@wyo.gov

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