Certificate of Achievement in Public Safety Supervision

The Certificate of Achievement in Public Safety Supervision prepares students for first-line supervisory positions in law enforcement and related public safety fields. Students gain knowledge in leadership, ethics, communication, and decision-making, as well as strategies for managing personnel, evaluating performance, and responding to critical incidents. The program is designed for individuals seeking career advancement into supervisory roles within public safety organizations.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of laws, policies, and responsibilities necessary for first-line supervision.

2. Apply supervisory skills in performance evaluation, counseling, and leadership of diverse teams.

3. Use effective communication and decision-making strategies in high-stress or crisis situations.

4. Demonstrate ethical judgment and cultural competence in supervisory roles.

5. Manage personnel and resources in alignment with community expectations and organizational goals.

Required Courses

• CJA 099A – Basic Police Academy (30.0 units)

• CJA 059 – Law Enforcement Supervisory Course (4.0 units)

Total Units Required: 34.0

The projected annual completers for this program is 125-150.

The Certificate of Achievement in Public Safety Supervision is designed to prepare current and aspiring law enforcement supervisors with the knowledge, skills, and leadership competencies needed to effectively manage personnel, resources, and operations in the field. The program enhances workforce preparation by aligning with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) supervisory requirements. It directly supports law enforcement agencies’ needs for well-trained first-line supervisors, advancing civic education and lifelong learning by strengthening leadership, ethical decision-making, and community trust.

Certificate of Achievement in Public Safety Supervision

The Certificate of Achievement in Public Safety Supervision requires successful completion of 34.0 units, structured to reflect the progression from foundational peace officer training to specialized supervisory preparation aligned with California POST standards. The sequence ensures students gain the necessary base through the Basic Police Academy and then advance into leadership, management, and supervisory competencies required of first-line supervisors.

Program Requirements

• CJA 099A – Basic Police Academy (30.0 units)
  Provides foundational training required of all peace officers, covering law enforcement principles, criminal law, patrol procedures, investigations, community policing, and officer safety. Successful completion is required prior to enrollment in advanced supervisory coursework.

• CJA 059 – Law Enforcement Supervisory Course (4.0 units)
  A California POST-approved course designed for law enforcement personnel newly appointed or preparing for first-line supervisory positions. Topics include leadership development, performance evaluation, counseling, ethics, communication strategies, generational and cultural awareness, stress management, and critical incident leadership.

  Total Required Units: 34.0

Sequencing

• Year 1: Students complete CJA 099A – Basic Police Academy (Fall/Spring).

• Post-Academy: CJA 059 – Law Enforcement Supervisory Course is taken after completion of CJA 099A and serves as the advanced supervisory capstone.

Program Outcomes

The structured sequencing ensures that students:

• Acquire foundational preparation in law enforcement operations and community policing.

• Develop essential leadership, supervision, and management skills needed for first-line supervisory roles.

• Apply ethical decision-making, cultural competence, and effective communication strategies in supervisory contexts.

• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, counsel, and mentor subordinates to improve organizational performance.

• Manage personnel and resources during routine and critical incidents with confidence and accountability.

This progression directly supports workforce preparation by aligning with POST supervisory requirements and meeting the demonstrated need for qualified first-line supervisors in public safety agencies.

No community college in Orange County currently offers a Certificate of Achievement in Public Safety Supervision. While other Administration of Justice programs provide general criminal justice education, this certificate is unique in its POST-approved, supervisory-level training directly tied to workforce advancement.

None.

Santa Ana College currently delivers five sections of CJA 099A (Basic Police Academy) annually with an average of 50 or more students per section, serving approximately 250 students each year. The CJA 059 Law Enforcement Supervisory Course is projected to be offered five times annually, with 25–30 students enrolled in each section. Based on this delivery plan and coordination with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the Public Safety Supervision Certificate of Achievement is expected to produce approximately 125–150 completers annually, representing non-duplicative enrollments from students advancing into supervisory-level training.