Modern Policing AS

Modern Policing AS Degree will prepare graduates to meet the requirements of the State of California mandated by Assembly Bill 89 to achieve the core competencies of state officials/law enforcement officers, as defined in CA Government Code 1031.4. The Modern Policing AS Degree 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. Focus on courses pertinent to law enforcement, which shall include, but not be limited to, psychology, communications, history, ethnic studies, law, and those determined to develop necessary critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence.

It is projected that enrollment will be a minimum of 1,600 in rated courses. With the new mandatory requirement for hire set forth by the state, it is estimated that at least 200 new enrollments will be added and that  150  students will earn the degree annually. This estimate is taken from 2024 Program Review data which shows an increase in course offerings. The current offerings for 2024-25 are up over 20% from the 2023-24 year. 

Modern Policing AS Degree graduates will:

• Understand how one’s personal bias or life experiences might impact the action one takes when working with community members, making meaningful decisions, or completing job-related tasks.

• Support citizens who exhibit mental health disorders at various levels and make judgments that support the care

needed for each individual.

• Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility on the job.

• Exhibit open-mindedness to non-traditional ideas.

• Show an awareness of self and cultures within different communities, including language, set of customs, beliefs, and gender identity.

• Understand the role of police in a democratic society in which all individuals are entitled to equal protection under the law and no individual is above the law regardless of their social, economic, or political station.

Students in this program will learn how to serve the community and gain knowledge in this field. After completing the program, students will have the industry-standard skills required to work in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. 

Students will need to complete the following courses:

• AJ101 Introduction to Administration of Justice, 3 Units
• AJ102 Criminal Law, 3 Units
• AJ201 Modern Policing in Society, 3 Units
• COMM219 Introduction to Intercultural Communication, 3 Units
• PSY230 Social Psychology, 3 Units
• ART103 History of Art: Africa, Oceania and Indigenous North America, 3 Units
• ETHN101 Introduction to Ethnic Studies, 3 Units
• Leadership and Ethics in Modern Policing, 3 Units
• Choose 3 Units from the following:
  • Criminal Evidence, 3 Units
  • Juvenile Procedures 3 Units
  • Criminal Investigation, 3 Units
• Choose 3 Units from the following:
  • ENGLC1000 Academic Reading and Writing, 3 Units
  • ENGLC1000H Academic Reading and Writing - Honors, 3 Units
• Choose 3 Units from the following:
  • ENGLC1001 Critical Thinking and Writing, 3 Units
  • ENGLC1001H Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors, 3 Units
• Choose 3 Units from the following:
  • COMMC1000 Introduction to Public Speaking, 3 Units
  • COMMC1000HIntroduction to Public Speaking - Honors, 3 Units
• Choose 3 Units from the following:
  • STATC1000 Introduction to Statistics, 3 Units
  • STATC1000H Introduction to Statistics - Honors, 3 Units
• Choose 3 Units from the following:
  • PHIL105 Ethics: Moral Issues in Contemporary Society, 3 Units
  • PHIL105H Ethics: Moral Issues in Society Honors, 3 Units 
• Choose 3 Units from the following:
  • CFE103 The Child in Family and Community Relationship, 3 Units
  • AJ206 Criminology, 3 Units

Here is the recommended sequence that we hope will be helpful for students. This recommended sequence takes into account the required general education.

Semester 1:

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4