Basic Peace Officer Academy

The Basic Peace Officer Academy is certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) to present a basic course to peace officers and pre-service students who qualify for program admission. The course includes fundamental principles, procedures and techniques of law enforcement, including: Criminal Law, Patrol Procedures, Cultural Diversity, Investigative Procedures, Report Writing, Defensive Tactics, Firearms, Leadership, Ethics, Community Policing, Police Vehicle Operations, Traffic Enforcement, Accident Investigation, Handling Emotional Situations and First Aid/CPR. The course also includes a challenging physical requirement that will prepare students for police service.

The Delta College POST Academy works in partnership with police and sheriff's departments throughout an eight county region. This academy is designed for basic entry-level training for the student preparing for a position as a Reserve Officer, Peace officers, and Deputy Sheriff's assigned to patrol.

Upon successful completion of the Academy, students receive a Certificate of Achievement from Delta College and certification by the California Department of Justice, Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training.

Entrance Requirements

Information concerning acceptance to the Basic Peace Officer Academy may be obtained from the Public Safety Program Office, (209) 954–5151 ext. 5258.

The following checklists will assist candidates to make their final decision to apply for enrollment in the POST Basic Academy program and to seek employment as a law enforcement professional.

1. Be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development Test (GED) indicating high school graduation level, pass the California High School Proficiency Examination, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university. The high school shall be either a United States public school, an accredited United States Department of Defense high school, or an accredited or approved public or non-public high school. Any accreditation or approval required by this paragraph shall be from a state or local government educational agency using local or state government approved accreditation, licensing, registration, or other approval standards, a regional accrediting association, an accrediting association recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education, an accrediting association holding full membership in the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), an organization holding full membership in the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA), an organization holding full membership in the Council for American Private Education (CAPE), or an accrediting association recognized by the National Federation of Non-public School State Accrediting Associations (NFNSSAA). (Government Code section 1031(e))
2. Be at least 18 years of age. Minimum age of 18 years old for peace officer employment.
3. No felony convictions or certain misdemeanor convictions that are disqualifying for employment as a peace officer [GC§1029; PC§12021(c); 18 USC 922(d)(9)] in the State of California. No restrictions for legal possession of firearms.
4. Successfully pass the multiple choice POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery examination with a total T-Score of 42.0 or higher.
5. Must possess a valid driver's license
6. Successfully pass AJ 94 Peace Officer Academy Orientation course.
7. Must obtain a medical release from a licensed medical doctor, upon acceptance to the program in order to participate in the rigorous training program.
8. Must submit a Department of Justice Firearms clearance form and sign a felony Disclaimer upon acceptance to the program.

Acceptance Procedure

Any person who meets the minimum qualifications to qualify for participation in the POST Academy Program (minimum qualifications ) must complete and pass the multiple choice POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery examination scored by POST with a total T-Score of 42.0 or better.

Step 1:

Meet the minimum qualifications and pass the entry level examination. Testing is offered through the Public Safety Training Center once a month March through September. Seating for the test is limited. For those who submit applications for the test, be sure to arrive 20 minutes early so the check-in process can be completed before 9 a.m. and the test can be started on time. Once the test begins, no one will be admitted. If you miss the test, you will need to watch the website for the posting of the application for the next test and submit it for the new test. Your old form will not guarantee you a place at the next test.

If you take the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery Examination at another facility, mail a copy of your T-Score notification to the address below. Information for registering for the AJ 094 Peace Officer Academy Orientation will be mailed to you when available.

Step 2:

Successful applicants who pass the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery with a total T-Score of 42.0 or better must apply to San Joaquin Delta College as a student by completing the online application for Admission to the College or be a current student in good standing with the college.

Step 3:

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and pass the entry level law enforcement examination must register in the prerequisite course, AJ 094 Peace Officer Academy Orientation, and successfully pass AJ 094 before being accepted to attend the Basic Peace Officer Academy. Information for registering into AJ 094 is provided in the T-score results letter to applicants who successfully pass the entrance examination. AJ 094 meets mid-November through mid-December.

Step 4:

All forms and information needed to participate in the POST Academy program, will be supplied during the AJ 094 orientation class.

Selection Procedure

Acceptance into AJ 094 Peace Officer Academy Orientation and the January Basic Academy will be on a "First Come, First Serve Basis." Applicants who earn a passing score on the examination will be provided with the information for registering into AJ 094. If the number of applicants who earn a passing score of POST multiple choice examination exceeds the maximum class size, a class wait list of 20 applicants will be accepted.

Applicants who place himself/herself on the class list will be admitted only with the permission of the Academy Coordinator. The applicants on the Class Wait List must attend the first class meeting and be present to be considered for movement from the Class Wait List to the class; however, it will be at the discretion of the Academy Coordinator to determine if you can be added to the AJ 094 orientation class.

For Additional Information

Information regarding the P.O.S.T. Academy is available from the Public Safety Training Center. Mail inquires may be sent to:

San Joaquin Delta College

Attn: Public Safety Training Center (P.O.S.T Academy)

5151 Pacific Avenue

Stockton, CA 95207

(209) 954-5151 extension 5258