Law Enforcement Certificate of Achievement

The Law Enforcement  Certificate of Achievement prepares students for entry-level peace officer positions in local and state law enforcement agencies. The comprehensive coursework, taught by experienced law enforcement and legal professionals, combines career competencies and technical skills with real-world knowledge. Courses topics include: leadership, professionalism and ethics, the criminal justice system, community relations, criminal law, investigative report writing, crime scene investigation, forensics, information systems, cultural diversity/bias and procedural justice. This course also meets the certification requirements of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T).

190-200

The program goal is to provide students with the career competencies and technical skills to advance into a field training program and become law enforcement professionals. 

Upon the completion of this certificate, the student should be able to:

1. Develop an enhanced understanding of the 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, emotional well-being and first aid/CPR.

2. Ability to apply to police agencies as a qualified peace officer, having satisfied the requirements set by the Commission on Peace Officer Standard Training for the state of California.

3. Comprehensive approach and application of nutrition principles, stress, fitness and overall wellness based on a peace officer work schedule.

In addition to the Chabot College admission requirements, prospective students are asked to attend a mandatory Police Academy Information meeting, as well as:

• pass the POST PELLET B (reading and writing) test;
• pass the Physical Agility Test (fitness)  test; and
• complete the Academy application process,  including medical clearance, proof of medical insurance, DMV history, DOJ Firearms Clearance.

The minimum selections standards for peace officers in California are set forth in Government Code Sections 1029 and 1031. Every California peace officer must:

• Be free of any felony convictions;
• Be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident alien who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship (CHP officers must be US citizens at time of appointment);
• Be at least 18 years of age;
• Be fingerprinted for purposes of search of local, state, and national fingerprint files to disclose any criminal record;
• Be of good moral character, as determined by a thorough background investigation;
• Be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development test or have attained a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited institution; and
• Be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition which might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
Administration of Justice 9997	Law Enforcement Academy	29	Y1

Although Las Positas College (LPC), sister college to Chabot, offers a similar Certificate of Achievement in partnership with the Alameda County Sheriff's Office (ACSO), ACSO has moved and is now partnered with Chabot College. As such, this certificate will service students previously served by Las Positas College.

Similar programs in the area will not be impacted, as this is not a new offering. This program will replace the program offered at LPC and service students previously served by LPC.