Basic Law Enforcement Academy

Student will receive instruction in all areas of criminal justice, as required by P.O.S.T., for entry-level law enforcement officers. This program is offered in cooperation with the Orange County Sheriff's Department. 

Students sponsored by their affiliated agency must complete all hiring requirements. Non-sponsored students must complete all designated preparatory courses as specified by the Santa Ana College Criminal Justice Academies Department. 

There are 5-6 academy classes per year and 30-80 students per academy class. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Develop the knowledge and skills to safely fulfill the duties and responsibilities of California peace officers.
• Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to emergency situations and legally use force to include the proficient use of firearms.
  

Approximately 230 student will complete this program per year. 

The goal of the program is to provide contemporary academic structure, solid discipline requirements and emphasis on physical conditioning and learning activities to prepare recruits physically, mentally, and ethically for success in the Field Training Officer Program

• Develop knowledge regarding the duties and responsibilities of California peace officers
  
• Identify safety policies and procedures
• Develop student knowledge in criminal law
• Develop student knowledge in the rights afforded to all members of the community
• Discuss the benefits of community policing
• Develop knowledge in the safe handling and proficient use of a firearm
• Discuss proper responses to emergency situations

The missions of the Santa Ana College Criminal Justice Academies (CJA) include preparing students to become peace officers in California by earning their Basic Police Academy Certificate and train recruits to become correctional officers.

Through its Advance Officer Training program, the Academies re-certify officers’ perishable skills in such subjects as driving, uses of force, firearms, and communication strategies (community policing, tactical, de-escalation).  The CJA also offer a variety of instructional classes to prepare officers for a wide range of specialty law enforcement roles.

The Academies value partnerships with local and regional law enforcement agencies and training organizations. Through advisory committee meetings and local connections, faculty maintain a close relationships with agencies and instructional partners to stay current with community policing trends, technology, and practices.

Law enforcement is in a continuous state of improvement and technological advancement shaped by evolving public opinion and legal decisions. As new technologies are introduced, agencies seek to train their personnel in the legal, safe, and effective use of these tools. For these reasons, the CJA are constantly seeking grant funding for classroom technology, instructional equipment, and fitness gear. Lastly, the department has connections with law enforcement agencies across the state. Through these connections, the CJA gains access to subject matter experts, innovative curriculum, and a diverse faculty.

Through advisory committee involvement and recommendations the Criminal Justice Academies Department is fulfilling recommendations by the committee. This new certificate will fulfill a gap in transcripted certificates for the Basic Law Enforcement Academy at Santa Ana College. This program will prepare students for a Field Training Officer Program.

The program is designed to be completed in 26-weeks.  

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
CJA-099A	Basic Police Academy	31.5	Y1

None

Goldenwest College and The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASO)

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