Basic Police Academy
Academy Recruits will receive 39 units college credit for attending the complete academy training program. These units may be applied toward an Associate’s Degree in Administration of Justice. Students must contact the Palomar College Admissions Office and/or Counseling Office to verify eligibility for the Associate’s Degree program.
Academy costs vary with materials, facility, and instructional content. The Palomar College Police Academy Curriculum includes an Academy Preparation Course followed by three extended format (part-time) instructional Modules. The Modules are completed in descending order and correspond to the three levels of Reserve Peace Officers in California. Completion of all three modules certifies a recruit to be employed as a full time sworn peace officer. All three modules are not required to be completed in the same year, however those who wish to serve as a full time officer must complete all three modules before being able to be hired, so it is recommended that the modules are completed consecutively in one training year.
Recruits must be accepted into the Police Academy program through a competitive selection process. Students apply through the Police Academy website during the application period and then complete the three-part testing process. Only those students accepted into the academy are permitted to attend and the academy completes enrollment through special permission.
Academy Preparation Course
AJ 85 – 3 units [4 weeks]
The Academy Preparation Course is a four-week course that prepares students for the police academy, to include learning the policies and procedures, ordering required uniforms and equipment, and developing foundational skills in various topics, to include communication, critical thinking, report writing, lifetime fitness, and student success strategies.
Module III
AJ 86 Basic Police Academy Module III – 7 units [8 weeks]
Prerequisites:
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Obtain a California DOJ Firearms Clearance
- Obtain a medical clearance
This course is equivalent to the Basic Course Module III Extended format training standards are set forth by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Topics covered include ethics, the criminal justice system, laws of arrest, search and seizure, custody, firearms, arrest and control techniques, first aid/CPR/AED, use of force/de-escalation and other related subjects. This meets the requirements for appointment as a Level III Reserve Officer/Deputy and satisfies the arrest and firearms training requirements specified in Penal Code Section 832.
Module II
AJ 87A Basic Police Academy Module IIA – 6 units
AJ 87B Basic Police Academy Module IIB – 6 units [12.5 weeks total]
Prerequisites (in addition to Module III prerequisites):
- Successful completion of Module III
- Current in PC 832 Arrest and Firearms training requirements
- Passage of the POST-constructed Comprehensive Module III End of Course Proficiency Exam within the preceding 12 months
AJ 87A and AJ 87B are equivalent to the Basic Course Module II Extended format training standards are set forth by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). The prerequisite for this course is successful completion of a POST-certified Module III course. Topics covered include property crimes, crimes against persons, principled policing in the community, firearms, chemical agents, report writing, cultural diversity and discrimination, preliminary investigations, crimes in progress, and other related subjects. This module meets the requirements for appointment as a Level II Reserve Officer/Deputy.
Module I
AJ 88A Basic Police Academy Module IIA – 5 units
AJ 88B Basic Police Academy Module IIB – 12 units [22 weeks total]
Prerequisites (in addition to Module III & II prerequisites):
- Successful completion of Module III and Module II
- Current in PC 832 Arrest and Firearms training requirements
- Passage of the POST-constructed Comprehensive Module II End of Course Proficiency Exam within the preceding 12 months
AJ 88A and AJ 88B are equivalent to the Basic Course Module I Extended format training standards are set forth by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). The prerequisite for this course is successful completion of POST-certified Module III and Module II courses. Topics covered include crimes against children, sex crimes, juvenile law, domestic violence, vehicle pullovers, traffic enforcement and collision investigation, gang awareness. terrorism awareness, critical incidents, controlled substances, officer wellness, lifetime fitness, arrest and control techniques, emergency vehicle operations, and other related subjects. This module meets the requirements for appointment as a full time sworn peace officer or Level I Reserve Officer/Deputy.
