Basic Police Academy

The Basic Police Academy Certificate of Achievement is a series of courses which, when combined, satisfy mandated training requirements for a California Basic Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Certificate of Completion. The program is POST-certified and prepares the student for work as a sworn law enforcement officer in the State of California.

Admission to the program is by special application (www2.palomar.edu/policeacademy). To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must (1) be free of felony conviction or conviction of a misdemeanor which prohibits possession of a firearm, (2) possess a valid driver’s license, (3) pass written, oral, and physical fitness examinations, (4) pass a medical examination, (5) be 18 years old (required by law to be age 21 for employment), and (6) pass a Department of Justice firearms clearance.

In addition to passing the required college examinations, the student must obtain passing scores on all POST Examinations, and all skills/lab portions within the Academy.

The Police Academy units may be applied toward the Administration of Justice Associate’s Degree requirements.

Learning Outcome(s):

1. Students will classify and describe basic criminal law, procedures and radio code communication for law enforcement in the State of California as defined by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST).
2. Students will demonstrate proper methods to manage critical incidents and write law enforcement reports as defined by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST).
3. Students will conduct preliminary investigations and respond to crimes in progress calls through practical exercises as defined by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST).
4. Students will demonstrate professionalism, diversity and ethics for law enforcement in the State of California as defined by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST).
5. Students will demonstrate proper methods of traffic enforcement and patrol techniques for law enforcement in the State of California as defined by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST).
6. Students will demonstrate proficiency in firearms, defensive tactics, and use of force procedures for law enforcement in the State of California as defined by the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST).
7. Students will evaluate the importance of physical fitness and development of lifelong health & wellness practices, and identify how diverse applications of fitness promote equity and contribute to social wellness & public health. Students will participate in physical fitness training exercises that include cardiorespiratory, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and balance. Assessment of fitness and tracking progress will be included as set forth by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).