Modern Policing

The Associate of Science in Modern Policing is designed to meet the State of California and California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) minimum education preparation requirements to become a Peace Officer. Students completing an Associate of Science in Modern Policing will meet the associate degree/educational requirements which must be met either prior to obtaining a POST Basic Certificate or within 24 months of initial appointment as a Peace Officer. Courses within this program are pertinent to law enforcement, including courses in psychology, communications, history, ethnic studies, law, and those determined to develop necessary critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence. Additional courses included focus on the development of the qualities, competencies, values, and desirable characteristics identified by discipline experts. The Associate in Science can be obtained upon completion of the 44-46-unit major, Cal-GETC, and electives as needed to complete a minimum of 60 units. All courses within the major must be completed with a minimum grade of C or P if taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

We project the number of completers to be 45-50 annually at this time. It is expected this may grow if demand increases for law enforcement officers completing academies outside of California Community College campuses/partnerships. 

Pursuant to California Penal Code section 13511.1, the Chancellor’s Office California Assembly Bill 89 Modern Policing Degree Task Force Report and Recommendations to the Legislature provided recommendations outlining a plan to implement a requisite Modern Policing Degree. The intention for the Modern Policing Degree and the future of law enforcement is to be inclusive of the diverse perspectives of stakeholders, build upon the 2020 Call to Action against systemic racism, and advance the California Community Colleges system goals for equity as laid forth in Vision 2030.

The Associate of Science in Modern Policing is designed to align with the California Community College Model Curriculum in Modern Policing as determined by the California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) and the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC). The courses are intended to contribute to an officer’s critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and lowered use of force. Graduates with this degree will exhibit cultural competence, which is the ability to honor and respect the beliefs, language, interpersonal styles, behaviors, and lifestyles of those receiving and providing services. Individuals practicing cultural competency have knowledge of the intersectionality of social identities and the multiple acts of oppression that people from different racial, ethnic, and other minoritized groups face. Individuals striving to develop cultural competence recognize that it is a dynamic, ongoing process that requires a long-term commitment to learning.

Program requirements are prescribed by the California Community College Model Curriculum in Modern Policing, in alignment with C-ID descriptors. 

The goal of this program is to align with the requirements set forth by AB 89, The Peace Officers Education and Age Conditions for Employment Act of California. The program follows the California Community College Model Curriculum set forth by the California Community College Chancellor's Office to meet the educational requirements for peace officers in California. The goal is for the associate degree to align for transfer with the future baccalaureate degree in Modern Policing (still to be determined). 

We are unaware of any programs within our immediate service area which may be impacted. 

The colleges closest to us with approved Modern Policing program showing in COCI at this time are: 

Chabot College - Modern Policing - AS Degree 

San Joaquin Delta College - Modern Policing - AS Degree