Basic Police Academy

This 880-hour course satisfies the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) minimum training requirements for entry-level peace officers. This course is designed for employed and/or aspiring peace officer candidates.

The course includes fundamental principles, procedures and techniques of law enforcement, including: Criminal Law, Patrol Procedures, Cultural Diversity, Investigative Procedures, Report Writing, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Leadership, Ethics, Community Policing, Police Vehicle Operations, Traffic Enforcement, Accident Investigation, Handling Emotional Situations and First Aid/CPR. The course also includes a challenging physical conditioning requirement that will prepare students for police service.

Prerequisites

Each applicant must:

• pass the POST Reading/Writing Test and an Academy Physical Agility Test (see written test schedule and physical agility test schedule for more information);
• complete the Academy Application process including medical clearance, proof of medical insurance and DMV history; and
• successfully complete the DOJ Firearms Clearance process.

Minimum Standards for Employment

The minimum selection standards for peace officers in California are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031. Every California peace officer must:

• be free of any felony convictions;
• be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship (CHP officers must be US citizens at time of appointment);
• be at least 18 years of age;
• be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record;
• be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation;
• be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited institution; and
• be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.
• Click for more information.

Upcoming Basic Courses

• Basic Police Academy #102 San Mateo
  Mar 22 - Aug 26, 2010
  

• Basic Police Academy #103 Gilroy
  Apr 26 - Sep 30, 2010
  

• Basic Police Academy #104 San Jose
  Jun 7 - Nov 10, 2010
  

• Basic Police Academy #105 Seaside
  Jul 8 - Dec 15, 2010
  

More Information

POST Regular Basic Course
POST Learning Domain Workbooks
POST Training and Testing Specification