Modern Policing

Catalog Description

Upon successful completion of the Modern Policing Associate in Science Degree, students will possess the knowledge, skills, and qualities to serve as a Peace Officer. Students will demonstrate the following: cultural competence (i.e., the ability to honor and respect the beliefs, language, interpersonal styles, behaviors, and lifestyles of those receiving and providing services); adaptability and flexibility; open-mindedness to non-traditional ideas; and awareness of self and of cultures within different communities. Students will also demonstrate the ability to utilize multiple perspectives when making decisions on the job, communicate in a culturally competent manner in their role as a Peace Officer, utilize mental and emotional strategies to remain balanced, manage strong or difficult circumstances or emotions, face pressure or challenges, and cope with a crisis in a positive and constructive way. In addition to preparing students to serve as well-rounded members of the police force, the Modern Policing Associate in Science Degree ensures students understand the role of police in a democratic society in which all individuals are entitled to equal protection under law and no individual is above the law regardless of their social, economic, or political station.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of criminal, civil, and constitutional law, including the California Penal Code and landmark cases, and apply this knowledge to ensure lawful and fair enforcement practices that respect civil rights.
2. Analyze and uphold ethical principles, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and fairness in all aspects of policing, decision-making, and interactions with the public, in alignment with the ethical standards mandated by AB 89.
3. Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills tailored to diverse groups, including active listening, empathy, and the ability to convey complex information in a clear, respectful, and non-threatening manner.
4. Engage effectively and empathetically with diverse communities by understanding cultural, social, and historical contexts and addressing community needs, fostering trust, and reducing bias in policing practices.
5. Utilize problem-solving frameworks to collaborate with community members and stakeholders in identifying, analyzing, and addressing public safety challenges, and promote proactive solutions that reinforce public trust and safety.
6. Apply evidence-based techniques in crisis intervention and conflict resolution to de-escalate volatile situations, minimize the use of force, and prioritize peaceful outcomes in accordance with modern policing standards.

California Assembly Bill 89 mandates community colleges to establish a Modern Policing Degree (AA or AS in Policing) that is foundational to and prepares students for a career as a Peace Officer, which shall be completed prior to obtaining a POST Basic Certificate or within 24 months of initial appointment as a Peace Officer. Therefore, demand for this degree program will be high. 

Based upon the past three years of awards issued for AS-T, AS Law Enforcement and AS Police Science, a reasonable projection would be approximately 100 awards. After that, the number is expected to increase as this is a mandatory requirement for employment as a Police Officer/Deputy Sheriff in the State of California. This estimate is also based on enrollment numbers in the P.O.S.T. academy. 

Program Goals and Objectives

To prepare graduates for careers in policing by developing a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, ethical and community-based policing practices, and critical skills in mental health, social justice, and conflict resolution and de-escalation. This program emphasizes culturally responsive, community-centered approaches to law enforcement that reflect the diverse communities served by police in California. Graduates will possess the critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and practical skills necessary to foster public trust, prioritize community well-being, and effectively address complex challenges in modern law enforcement.

Students who successfully complete this program will meet the provisions of California Assembly Bill 89 (Modern Policing Degree).

Students who complete this program should demonstrate the following competencies:

1) Culturally Competent and Equity Minded. This is the ability to honor and respect the beliefs, language, interpersonal styles, behaviors, and lifestyles of those receiving and providing services.

2) Critical Thinker. This is the ability to analyze situations and use good judgment under stressful circumstances, even when limited information is available, and utilize multiple perspectives when making decisions on the job.

3) Communicator. Effectively communicate in written and verbal communications.

4) Resilient. This is the ability to utilize mental and emotional strategies to remain balanced, manage strong or difficult circumstances or emotions, face pressure and challenges and rebound from them, and cope with a crisis in a positive and constructive way.

M = Major (core courses and restricted elective courses)

GE = General Education (courses that fulfill CSU-GE pattern)

E= Elective (optional courses)