Basic Police Academy - Major #8921

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


The Basic Police Academy Certificate of Achievement program offers curriculum to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to complete a law enforcement field training program certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).  Employment opportunities are found in both government and private enterprise where law enforcement principles are applied. The basic academy is offered in three different formats; the intensive 40 hour per week format, the 24 hour per week night academy extended format, and the modular format.  Hours per week may vary slightly according to schedule. 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for the program, applicants must:
1.  Be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
2.  Complete and submit the Fresno City College and Police Academy applications.
3.  Pass the POST written examination and physical agility test.  Applicants must attend an interview and orientation, and will be notified regarding their acceptance. 

Accepted applicants must:
1.  Possess a valid California Drivers License and provide a DMV printout of their driving record.
2.  Provide a Department of Justice clearance for firearms possession.
3.  Provide proof of a physical examination including an Electrocardiogram with the physician's approval for applicant to participate in all aspects of academy training.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Demonstrate knowledge of California laws pertaining to arrest authority of a peace officer and a citizen covered under Penal Code sections 836 and 837.
  2. 2. Compare and contrast the constitutional issues involved in detentions, arrest and interrogations.
  3. 3. Demonstrate physical competency in psychomotor skills in handling police weaponry in a safe manner.
  4. 4. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and professionally through written, oral and electronic media.
  5. 5. Identify the California laws that pertain to the enforcement and procedural aspects of law enforcement, recognizing the violations an officer is likely to encounter and describe the legal obligations in enforcing those laws.
  6. 6. Identify the process to confine and care for adult or juvenile prisoners in such a manner as to provide the necessary confinement and to protect the prisoner's rights and welfare.
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester

Term 1

19.5 units

AJ 270A
Basic Police Academy - Part 1

19.5 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
This course complies with the legislative content and mandates of AB 392 (2019) and SB 230 (2019) and PC 835a This 1015 hour course is certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and it meets the statutory basic training requirements for California Peace Officers. The course follows the instructional framework, minimum hour and content requirements established by POST. The course meets requirements for employed peace officer students, however is open to those students who meet and satisfy entry requirements including written examination, physical fitness examination, DOJ fingerprint clearance and medical clearance. This course requires significant time commitments and outside course work including uniform preparation, homework assignments and equipment maintenance. This course is presented in two parts including AJ 270A and AJ 270B which both must be passed for completion of the course and must be completed concurrently.
Course Details:

          Term 2

          17.5 units

          AJ 270B
          Basic Police Academy - Part 2

          17.5 units
          Effective Term: 2022 Spring Semester
          Satisfies the requirement of the California Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) for Basic Police Academy training mandatory for every full-time peace offer under Penal Code, Section 830.1. Must be taken in tandem without a time separation between courses (Administration of Justice 270A & Administration of Justice 270B). Health, parking and range fees will be charged.
          Total: 37 units