Modern Policing Degree

The Modern Policing Degree (MPD) at the College of San Mateo is designed to meet the educational requirements mandated by California AB89 and to prepare students for careers in contemporary law enforcement. This program emphasizes ethical reasoning, community engagement, and modern policing strategies, equipping students with the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for success in today’s complex public safety environment.

Through a curriculum that integrates theory and practice, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving role of law enforcement in society, including de-escalation techniques, procedural justice, and public trust-building. The Modern Policing Degree, AS major in Administration of Justice, also prepares students for transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in Administration of Justice and related fields. Completion of this AS degree meets the minimum eligibility for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system, expanding academic and professional opportunities for graduates.

Based on historical enrollment and persistence rates within the Administration of Justice program at the College of San Mateo, we anticipate an enrollment of approximately 100+ students in the first academic year for the Associate of Science degree.  Of those, based on historic persistence and retention rates, we expect at least 80 students will enroll in the AS degree within the first year.  In addition with this program meeting CSU transfer requirements, we anticipate 30-40 graduates per year will continue their education at a four-year institution. These projections align with California AB89's educational mandates and reflect the growing demand for modern policing education.

Upon completion of the College of San Mateo Modern Policing AS Degree, students will demonstrate proficiency in ethical decision-making, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention strategies aligned with modern policing standards. They will apply community policing principles to foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and diverse communities while analyzing and interpreting criminal justice data, case law, and policies to make informed policing decisions. Additionally, students will develop a strong understanding of California-specific law enforcement procedures, including AB89 educational mandates and constitutional policing practices. The program emphasizes effective communication, conflict resolution, and cultural competency skills essential for success in law enforcement settings. Graduates will also be well-versed in contemporary policing challenges, such as mental health crisis response, procedural justice, and implicit bias mitigation. By completing this degree, students will be prepared for transfer to a four-year institution or entry-level employment in law enforcement and related fields, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for the evolving demands of modern policing.

To earn an A.S. Degree in Modern Policing, students must complete 42-45 units of specified courses that align with the requirements of AB89 and prepare them for careers in law enforcement. This degree provides students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed in modern policing roles, including positions such as police officer, sheriff’s deputy, and law enforcement specialist. The program will reside in the Administration of Justice department which also offers both an A.S./AS-T in Administration of Justice and related certificates.

A labor market analysis conducted by the Bay Region Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research in November 2024 indicates a significant workforce demand for modern policing professionals in the Bay Region. Based on the data included in this report, there is a labor market gap in the Bay Region with 1,465 annual openings for the Modern Policing occupational cluster and no annual (3-year average) awards for an annual undersupply of 1,465 students.

Additionally, there are no community colleges in the Bay Region issuing awards on average annually (last 3 years ending 2021-23) on TOP 2105.60 - Modern Policing: Principles, techniques, and core competencies of state officials/ law enforcement officers.

No colleges in the immediate service region for CSM offer similar programs. 

No colleges in the immediate service region for CSM offer similar programs.  The closest related program is Administration of Justice.  The faculty has consulted with the following colleges and points of contact who support our development of the program: 

City College of San Francisco                

Administration of Justice Chairperson - James Skinner

Email: Jskinner@ccsf.edu                    

Phone: (415) 239-3202

Ohlone College

Administration of Justice Faculty – Tobias Smith

Email: Tjsmith@ohlone.edu

Phone: (510) 979-7403

Skyline College

Administration of Justice Faculty – Carl Lafata

Email: Lafatac@smccd.edu

Phone: (650) 738-4134