Modern Policing: Associate of Science

The Modern Policing Associate of Science degree at Taft College is designed to meet the requirements of California’s Assembly Bill 89, which mandates completion of a “modern policing” program for individuals pursuing peace officer careers. The curriculum integrates critical thinking, communication, cultural competence, ethics, resilience, and evidence-based decision-making to prepare students for success in modern law enforcement. In addition, the program provides a broad foundation in the criminal justice system, ensuring graduates gain the knowledge and understanding necessary for a wide range of criminal justice professions, including corrections, probation, courts, and related public safety fields. This dual focus allows students to meet state-mandated hiring standards while also building transferable skills and pathways for continued education and diverse career opportunities within the justice system. 

Students with the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification should request Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) for ADMJ 1501, 1502, 1503, and 1507. Students may be awarded up to 12 units for Credit for Prior Learning.

•    the number of estimated program completers per year at the end of the first year of program operation = 5 

•    the number of estimated program completers per year at the end of the third year of program operation = 15 

Program Mission

Modern Policing: Associate of Science at Taft College was developed to align with the California Community Colleges model curriculum for modern policing as required by Assembly Bill 89. This degree is to prepare students for diverse careers in law enforcement, probation, corrections, courts, and public service. 

This interdisciplinary program provides students with a strong foundation in criminal justice principles, legal reasoning, ethical practice, public safety communication, and psychological and social perspectives. Emphasis is placed on scientific inquiry and evidence-based decision-making, with the inclusion of research methods and applied psychology to strengthen students’ analytical skills.

The curriculum also integrates topics in cultural understanding, disability awareness, and systemic equity to prepare students to serve ethically and effectively in diverse communities. Work-based learning and capstone opportunities connect theory with real-world practice, ensuring students graduate with the critical thinking, professionalism, and cultural competence needed in the modern justice environment.

Program Goals

• Ensure students complete the AB 89–89-mandated Modern Policing curriculum and required hours of instruction.
• Prepare students with foundational knowledge and professional skills needed for careers in law enforcement and related criminal justice fields.
• Support California’s evolving public safety needs by developing culturally competent, equity-minded officers who understand diverse communities.
• Foster officer resilience, ethical reasoning, and lifelong professional development to promote sustainable and accountable careers in law enforcement.
• Provide a clear educational and career pathway for students pursuing policing, public safety, and transfer opportunities into bachelor’s degree programs.

Program Objectives

• Analyze policing situations, apply legal and ethical frameworks, and interpret statistical research to support evidence-based decisions.
• Exhibit communication and crisis intervention skills necessary for effective de-escalation, report writing and constructive community engagement.
• Demonstrate cultural competence by evaluating the impact of systemic inequities and applying practices that promote fairness and equity in policing.
• Exhibit knowledge of constitutional protections and ethical standards by applying them to decision-making, accountability, and community trust.
• Apply wellness and resilience strategies to manage occupational stress while articulating pathways for professional growth and leadership in policing.

This program is being developed in direct response to Assembly Bill 89 (AB 89), which requires the establishment of a Modern Policing degree at California community colleges that operate law enforcement academies. While Career Technical Education programs typically incorporate advisory input for program development and modification, this curriculum is state-mandated and follows the model established by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). As such, the program is aligned with the statewide framework and represents required curriculum rather than a locally initiated modification.

Taft College is committed to providing dynamic offerings in modern policing. Upon successful completion of the degree, students will be in compliance with AB 89. This degree is to prepare students for diverse careers in law enforcement, probation, corrections, courts, and public service.