Program Overview

Basic Police Academy (AJPS) Certificate of Achievement

Related Degrees & Certificates

• AS Associate in Science Degree Program
  • Administration of Justice | 60 units
• AS-T Associate in Science Degree for Transfer
  • Administration of Justice | 60 units
• CA Certificate of Achievement
  • Administration of Justice | 24 units

Career Opportunities

• Regular Police Officer
• Reserve Police Officer
• Peace Officer

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be able to:

• Recognize crime elements, classifications and associated concepts relating to criminal law, property crimes, crimes against persons, general crime statues, crimes against children, sex crimes, juvenile law, alcohol and controlled substances, domestic violence, crimes against the justice system, and weapons violations.
• Discuss the principles and procedures of the criminal justice system as they relate to constitutional rights, juvenile law, laws of arrest, search and seizure, presentation of evidence, management of crime scenes and the collection of evidence, use of force, and custody.
• Demonstrate effective communication (verbal, non-verbal, and written) for composing investigative reports, testifying in court, requesting information, and interactions with peers, superiors and the community.
• Demonstrate the prescribed competencies for psychomotor skills, including vehicle operations, arrest and control techniques, first aid/CPR, Firearms and Chemical Agents, as determined by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
• Demonstrate the appropriate physical conditioning and lifestyle choices required for a career in law enforcement.

Related Programs

• POST (California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training)

University Transfer Program

Use Assist to identify lower division major preparation for the California State University and the University of California systems. Transfer majors may be listed as Administration of Justice, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Law and Society, or other listings. For independent or out-of-state colleges and universities use their catalogs to locate this information. Transfer Services can assist you to gather this information.

About the Program

The Administration of Justice Program prepares students for jobs in the field of criminal justice. The program at CSM is designed to educate students on the many aspects of justice administration – from the human, social and moral problems to the larger scope of justice systems.

Through the expertise of the faculty and the exposure to professional personnel from the criminal justice system, students can expect to be prepared for a career in various fields including criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, social services, probation, and law.

The criminal justice system offers employment in various municipal, county and state agencies in California, to individuals who have the ability to work well with all types of people, observe details others might miss, and make sound decisions in times of crisis.

The two-year degree covers a broad range of information and professional skills in criminal law, corrections, and the American justice system. While this degree is intended for transfer, it also may lead to employment or advancement within the justice system. Students planning to transfer to a four-year university should complete the Associate Degree.

Program Overview

The Basic Police Academy includes fundamental principles, procedures and techniques of law enforcement, including: Criminal Law, Cultural Diversity, Report Writing, Arrest and Control Techniques, Firearms, Leadership, Ethics, Community Policing, Police Vehicle Operations, and First Aid/CPR. The course also includes a physical conditioning requirement that will prepare academy students for police service. The Basic Police Academy satisfies the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) minimum training requirements for entry-level peace officer positions in California. Upon completion the student can apply to law enforcement agencies as a Regular Police Officer, Reserve Police Officer, or Peace Officer.

Program Requirements

Requirements

• Required Core Course: 22 units
  • AJPS 107 | Basic Police Academy | 22 units
• Total Required Units: 22