Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Students are admitted by special application only. Admission is based on the POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET B). Must pass a California Department of Justice criminal background records check. Must pass a medical examination. Must possess a valid driver's license during class.
Hours: 954 (417 lecture, 537 laboratory)
Description: This course prepares the student for a career as a peace officer under the authority of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.). The curriculum covers learning domains ranging from academic subjects on criminal law, investigation and patrol procedures to psychomotor skills on defensive tactics, firearms training, driving skills and officer-violator contacts. The successful completion of this course will allow the student to be employed as a peace officer in California (valid for three years after graduation) and lead to the issuance of a Basic Law Enforcement Certificate from P.O.S.T. after one year of approved field service at a law enforcement agency. (not transferable)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Identify, define and demonstrate core competencies of peace officers as mandated by POST through written exams, crime scenario testing and manipulative skills.
  • CSLO #2: Identify, classify, and apply appropriate provisions of federal and state law related to peace officers.
  • CSLO #3: Perform and document complete preliminary investigations assigned to peace officers.
  • CSLO #4: Demonstrate the physical skills needed to perform the tasks of a peace officer in the areas of driving, shooting, defensive tactics and first aid.
  • CSLO #5: Meet or exceed the requirements as set forth by Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) for California Peace Officer.

Effective Term

Summer 2026

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

954

Outside of Class Hours

828

Total Student Learning Hours

1782

Course Objectives

Course Objectives:

Lecture Objectives:

  1. Demonstrate through learning activities and cognitive tests a working knowledge of the basic principles of the law enforcement profession, including law enforcement history, ethics, career influence, and state court and correction systems.
  2. Demonstrate through learning activities, exercises, and scenarios knowledge of community relations, community-oriented policing, tactical communication strategies, and cultural awareness and diversity issues.
  3. Recall and apply through cognitive and scenario tests current laws of the State of California as they relate to criminal behavior, traffic enforcement, laws of evidence, and search and seizure.
  4. Develop and write effective police reports based on word pictures or scenarios.
  5. List the current civil and criminal liabilities and penalties for the improper use of force.

Lab Objectives:

  1. Demonstrate through cognitive and exercise tests the ability to safely and effectively operate a law enforcement emergency vehicle in both low and high speed and under variable road conditions.
  2. Demonstrate through cognitive and exercise tests the legal, moral, and safe use of both handguns and shotguns commonly employed for use by law enforcement agencies.
  3. Demonstrate proficient use of the handgun and shotgun, meeting the minimum standard approved by the POST.
  4. Demonstrate through exercises and scenario tests the ability to conduct specific criminal investigations, locate and process evidence at a crime scene, issue a citation for a traffic violation, complete all required tests for a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) violation, conduct an accident investigation, and effectively and safely conduct low and high-risk vehicle stops employing proper officer safety procedures.
  5. Demonstrate through cognitive and exercise tests accepted procedures for administering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  6. Demonstrate through exercises and scenario tests the ability to safely control and arrest a suspect using approved weaponless defense techniques, including the proper use of the police baton.

7. Demonstrate through cognitive and exercise tests accepted procedures for administering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • Not Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Students must pass a timed POST-constructed (state mandated) multiple-choice exam with a pre-established minimum passing score of 82%. Multiple-choice questions will cover topics from POST curriculum related to Search and Seizure, Laws of Arrest, etc. Per POST guidelines, students who fail any test will receive remedial instruction and only one re-test attempt per test.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Per POST guidelines, students will safely and effectively perform hands-on manipulative skills. Examples include firearms, driving and defensive tactics. Students will be observed by certified instructors during the testing of performance skills. Per POST guidelines, students who fail any test will receive remedial instruction and only one re-test attempt per test.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Laboratory
          • Lecture/Discussion

          Lab:

          1. Instructor will explain and demonstrate various techniques for effective marksmanship in low-light conditions, followed by students practicing shooting while holding a flashlight.

          Lecture:

          1. Using a slide deck and video, the instructor will lead a class discussion covering the legal and ethical considerations related to use of force. Students are expected to participate in the discussion and demonstrate knowledge of various aspects of use of force.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          Read a sample Use-of-Force Policy in preparation for a class discussion on how Law Enforcement Departments govern officers’ use of force and de-escalation techniques. Read assigned sections of the California Penal Code that correspond to specific Learning Domains and be prepared to discuss in class.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          In LD-18, Investigative Report Writing, prepare written police reports from 125 to 1000 words in length for each of the twelve assignments. Given a hypothetical barrier to effective Police-Community relations, students will work in small groups to develop a plan for opening lines of communication and re-establishing a trusting relationship with members of the community.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Required Materials

          • Learning Domain Workbooks
            • Author: CA POST
            • Publisher: State of California
            • Publication Date: 2024
            • Text Edition: Current
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • California Penal code
            • Author:
            • Publisher: State of California
            • Publication Date:
            • Text Edition: Current
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Alcoholic Beverage Control Manual
            • Author:
            • Publisher:
            • Publication Date:
            • Text Edition: Current
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • California Criminal Evidence Code
            • Author:
            • Publisher: State of California
            • Publication Date:
            • Text Edition: Current
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • State Collison Investigation Manual
            • Author:
            • Publisher: State of California
            • Publication Date:
            • Text Edition: Current
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • California POST Training and Testing Specifications for Regular Basic Course
            • Author:
            • Publisher:
            • Publication Date:
            • Text Edition: Current
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

          Additional costs outside of tuition will include material fees, driving fees, textbooks, uniforms, physical training clothing, ammunition, hearing and eye protection.