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Police Academy

 

The Police Academy Module III (AOJ 103) is currently not being offered.  Check website often for updates.


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We are not accepting applications at this time.  Our next academy has not been scheduled. 

Please review our "About the Police Academy" link below for other colleges offering a police academy.

NEXT ACADEMY STARTS (Class 36):

TBD(Module III)

MANDATORY ORIENTATION (Module III only)! TBD, 

Orientation dress code: Professional attire only. 

Module III (AOJ 103): TBD (class 36) Section # TBD, 163.5 hours.
*If you are considering taking PC 832, Laws of Arrest, you may want to consider enrolling in Module III. Module III includes all of the PC 832 curriculum and also includes, driving, 1st Aid / CPR, Impact Weapons and Chemical Agents training.  

Module II (AOJ 104): TBD (class 36), 226 hours (must have completed AOJ 103 or a Module III course at another facility.  POST Profile required for entrance).  

Total for Module III & II = 389 hours

Please note: prior to attending an academy, you need to secure all days to be in attendance as POST has a strict attendance policy.  You can only miss 5% of each Module (for example, only 4 hours can be missed in Module III).  Hours cannot be any mandatory training, such as driving, arrest & control, firearms, CPR & 1st Aid, and some lecture classes.  We cannot make-up these training classes, so please plan accordingly.  If you have any questions, please contact the AOJ office.

You must pay all tuition immediately or you will be dropped from the course. This may not apply to VA or Financial Aid applicants. Contact your counselor for verification. If you are dropped, you are not given priority to re-enroll.


 The AOJ office will be closed the following days / holidays, 2020:

  • May 25
  • July 4
  • September 7
  • November 11, 26-28

Last date to turn in packet will be TBD.  DOJ Fingerprint Clearance should be completed ASAP to ensure results arrive by TBD.

Email TBD if you have any questions. Packets should be available TBD to insure DOJ clearance for firearms training. However, the earlier you submit the DOJ request, the quicker we can process your academy application. 

*California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Warning!
Academy applicants MUST NOT have any FELONY CONVICTIONS! In addition, you cannot have any Drug, Weapons, Assault, Domestic Violence convictions or previous psychological holds! You are not eligible if you even have a TRO (Temporary Restraining Order) relating to weapons, assaults or domestic violence!  Some psychological holds can also disqualify you from taking this course.  Your background with DOJ will not clear if you have any of these in your background.

Cadets are expected to meet the POST requirements for being hired as a police officer. The following may be a disqualifier for employment:

  • Felonies
  • drug convictions 
  • drug use (includes marijuana)
  • credit problems (high debt to income ratio)
  • bad driving record (DUIs, speeding)
  • domestic violence and assault convictions, even misdemeanors, may prohibit you from being employed as a peace officer or possessing a firearm!
  • psychological holds

Please note: The state average is only 8 out of 100 applicants will pass backgrounds, with many agencies reporting lower results. Lying is the number one reason why candidates fail the backgrounds selections process.

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How to Apply

How to Apply:

1.  Application to Grossmont College must be filled out online at www.grossmont.edu.   We highly recommend that you take the English Assessment Test. You may start this process now.

2. Download background packet.  Due to DOJ date sensitivity, please follow all instructions carefully.  

3.  You may not register for this course until the DOJ results are received by the college, even if your registration date has arrived. Once you complete the background / DOJ packet, please submit your fingerprints as soon as you can. If you have any questions, please contact directly. Grossmont College will not be liable for any costs incurred by you if you are unable to attend due to late submissions or if you are denied by DOJ.

Open office hours for background packet submission are: Tues. & Thurs., 2-4pm, modular village 100-106. Other hours are available by appointment only.  Email TBD to set up an appointment if the open hours are not convenient .

Last date to turn in packet will be TBD.  DOJ Fingerprint Clearance should be completed ASAP to ensure results arrive by TBD.

Email TBD if you have any questions. Packets should be available TBD to insure DOJ clearance for firearms training. However, the earlier you submit the DOJ request, the quicker we can process your academy application.

Grossmont College will not be liable for any costs incurred by you. You must have a valid California driver's license & insurance to attend the police academy.  Military personnel are not exempt from having a California driver's license to attend the academy.

4.  Once your background clearance is received in our office from DOJ, you will be notified,  via email from the AOJ office, that you have been cleared for registration. 
For step-by-step instructions on how to register,  click on "Register on the Internet" below.  

5.  Once you are registered you should consider purchasing ammo now:
You are responsible for all ammo in the academy. If you are shooting the college weapon, you
cannot purchase lead ammo.
Module III - you will need 450 rounds of .40 caliber if using the college weapon, or 450 rounds of your caliber of weapon (for both modules) if using your own. You must have 100 rounds of ammo on the first day of training.
Module II - you will need 1150 rounds .40 and 270 rounds of #4 Buckshot, 5 rounds slug, and 16 rounds birdshot (must have all birdshot ammo on first day). All shotgun ammo is 2 3/4.
Targets - Information will be provided in background packet and at orientation.

You may purchase remanufactured ammo as long as it is copper jacketed. No home reloads and no lead ammo!

About the Police Academy

Attend orientation on TBD (Module III only), at 5:30pm, room TBD. If you have taken Module III from another presenter, or in a previous year, you are required to attend orientation.

These courses are POST* certified. They are offered Tues/Thurs, evenings from 5:45 - 10:00pm and on Saturdays 7:45am - 5pm in the fall and spring semesters. Some Saturdays will meet at 6:45am both semesters for firearms training. There may be some Monday and Wednesday nights and Sunday day classes. Advance notice will be given for these events, and they are mandatory.

The Academy is "paramilitary" in structure and uniforms, etc., are required. The estimated cost is between $3000 - $5000 for the entire academy. This includes uniforms, registration and books. You do NOT need to purchase your own weapon, only your "leather gear", and other related equipment. Cost will depend on which brands you purchase and the ammo. Please note ammo costs are continuing to increase.

The academy certificates are only valid for three years from the Module III certification date, unless you are sworn-in either as a reserve officer or as a fulltime sworn officer or deputy.  This is why there is a recommended starting age of 20.5 years of age for the academy.

We have an "extended format" Modular Police Academy, which includes Module III and Module II.

There are three Levels in California for Reserves, with Level I being the "highest." Levels actually relate to the type of duties or assignments one can perform while "on-duty" as a Reserve Officer. Reserves are generally "volunteer" positions, and unpaid.

The completion of a Module I academy is the equivalent of a Regular Basic Course, which qualifies you for employment as a sworn peace officer. Visit POST for details of the various levels. Since Grossmont College DOES NOT offer the Module I block of training, you will have to apply to an instructional presenter (college) that offers Module I training if you wish to receive the Module I certification.  

If our academy doesn't fit your needs and schedule, please visit Southwestern College (SWC), Miramar College or Palomar College's websites.

Southwestern College currently offers an extended format Regular Basic Course (RBC)- nights and weekends.

Miramar College currently offers an intensive format RBC - daily, Mon. - Fri.

Palomar College to offer Module I Academy:
For more information on attending Palomar College please click on the link below:
http://www2.palomar.edu/policeacademy/?page_id=8

Application information and deadlines, please click on the link below:
http://www2.palomar.edu/policeacademy/?page_id=501

 

How to Become a Police Officer

How to Become a Police Officer - How-to-Guide

SELF ASSESSMENT & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ'S) 

SELF-ASSESSMENT

The POST courses are very rigorous and challenging. It is a rewarding accomplishment to complete the program(s) and the GC staff wants you to be successful in achieving your career goals. This assessment is designed to assist you in determining your suitability for the program and provide further insight for the training expectations. Together with your family members, answer the following questions to determine whether you are ready to undertake the demands of the law enforcement academy training.  You need to be 100% committed to the program and take it seriously.  If you think this is just another college course, this may not be the right time for you to take the academy.

NOTE:  Information is accurate at time of posting, and may change without notice.  All agencies have their own background polices when it comes to DUIs, traffic violations, and drug use, including marijuana.    The self-assessment is a tool for you to see if you are ready to take the next step. 

  1. Do you have all the necessary finances in order? Consider tuition, books, uniform costs, DOJ clearance fees and ammunition.  Approximately $3000-$5000 for entire academy.
  2. Are you physically ready? A recommended exercise program should include the following:
    1. Flexibility: static stretching at least 2-3 days per week, 8-12 stretches each day, hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds and repeat each 2-4 times.
    2. Aerobic Conditioning: continuous jogging 3-5 days per week, 20-60 minutes each day.
    3. Muscular Strength: One set of 8-10 exercises including upper body, core and legs 2-3 days per week, 8-20 repetitions per set, for example push-ups, sit-ups, etc.
  3. Are you mentally ready? Do you think well when under stress? Do you take written tests well? Can you write well?
  4. Can you be around and handle firearms?  This program has an extensive firearms training program that requires qualifications in handgun & shotgun, which includes day and night shoots.  The program also includes rifle familiarization.
  5. Have you had recent traffic violations, including DUI’s?  If so, these could be disqualifiers.  Agencies may reject applicants that have had a DUI within 3-7 years of applying.
  6. Have you used marijuana within the last 3-5 years?  If so, you will need to wait to apply with most agencies, as this could be a disqualifier.
  7. Are you good with time management?  POST has strict standards on tardiness and absences.  Being late too many times could result in dismissal from the academy.
  8. Can you follow directions and take orders? The POST program is paramilitary in nature.
  9. Can you control your emotions under high stress situations? The program requires you to think quickly on your feet, follow directions, and respond calmly under emotional tense conditions.

10. Do you get along well with others? Can you accept criticism from peers? Your performance will be continuously assessed by your peers and supervisors throughout the program.

11. Can you devote at least three hours each night to study and prepare? In order to attain a successful class ranking in a very competitive academy like environment you must put forth your best effort and eliminate all personal distractions.

12. Do you have the full support of your family? Will you encourage your family to assist you in your training? Family support is a critical factor in academy success. Family members can help with your studies and uniform preparation.

13. Will your employer work around your academy schedule?  Some classes may run over, therefore you could be late to work.  Although we will do everything we can to prevent this, situations arise that are out of our control.

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. Does the academy conduct a background investigation?

A. Yes, the academy conducts a Department of Justice (DOJ) search to ensure cadets have no felony or domestic violence convictions on their record. Also, some psychological holds can disqualify your from taking this course.  All applicants must complete a background check 'Live Scan'.  Once the results are final, a copy of the Department of Justice (DOJ) clearance letter must be submitted to the AOJ department office.

Q. Does every cadet become a Police Officer or Reserve Officer?

A. No, not usually. Most of the qualified graduates are picked up by an agency within a year after graduation.

Q. Do I have to participate in firearms training?

A. Yes. Firearm qualification is mandatory for POST certification and for successful completion of the program.

Q. Do I have to participate in chemical agents training?

A. Yes. Chemical agents training is an integral portion of the course and is mandatory for POST certification and for successful completion of the program.

Q. Do I have to participate in physical training?

A. Yes. Physical training is certified in our program.

Q. Can I miss some academy sessions for work-related obligations?

A. Yes, however it is limited to approximately 4 hours each module, but there are many mandatory days that cannot be made up if they are missed.  You have to review the daily schedule to see if the class you want to miss is mandatory.

POST Selection Standards

PEACE OFFICER SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) sets minimum selection standards for California peace officers employed by POST-participating agencies. These minimum requirements are pursuant to Government Code (GC) Sections 1029, 1030, and 1031, and Commission Regulations 9050-9055. Agencies may choose additional assessments (e.g., physical ability and detection of deception/polygraph examinations) and/or higher standards.

Selection Standard

Minimum Requirement

Comments

Regulation/Law

Age

18 (NOTE: certificate expires in 3 years, so you must recertify if not hired or appointed as a reserve)

Some agencies set the standard higher (e.g. 21)

GC1031(b)

Citizenship

US citizen or

permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for citizenship (NOTE: you must provide verification of application)

CHP officers must be US citizens at time of appointment (VC2267)

GC1031(a)

Education

Graduation from US high school or equivalent

2-year, 4-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university will meet this requirement [GC1031(e)]

Some agencies require college units and/or a college degree

GC1031(e)

Reading and Writing Ability Assessment

Assessment of reading and writing ability

Agencies may use the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery or other assessment of reading and writing ability

Commission Regulation 9051

Oral Interview

Assessment of oral communication skills and other factors

Takes place prior to appointment

Commission Regulation 9052

No Felony Convictions; Fingerprint and Criminal History Check

Fingerprints sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Check is to reveal any criminal records. Felony convictions and some specific misdemeanors will disqualify a candidate.

GC 1029, 1030 and 1031(c); PC12021(c):

18 USC 922(d)(9)

Background Investigation

Thorough background based on applicant's personal history statement/questionnaire

Ensures the applicant is of good moral character

GC1031(d)

Medical and Psychological Evaluations

Evaluations conducted by licensed physicians and/or psychologists employed by the hiring department

Ensures applicant is free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer

GC1031(f)

Entrance to a Module I Academy

Entrance to a Module I academy:

You must pass a written entrance and physical abilities exam. You should be in good physical condition, be able to run at least 3 miles per day and perform at least 50 push-ups at one time. You should also be able to do pull-ups and be able to get over a 6ft. wall and 6ft. fence. 
Have a POST Module III Certificate in good standing, successful completion of the Module II POST End-of-Course Proficiency Exam within 12 months. 

AOJ Degree Information
AOJ Degree Information:

Note:  if you have completed a Regular Basic Course (RBC) Police Academy or a Module I Police academy, you may be eligible to receive credit for AOJ 120, 122, 206 and 230.

You might also be able to take AOJ 214 and 215 if currently working in law enforcement.  

Register on the Internet

How to Register (after DOJ approval for firearms & academy courses)

Before you register for class, you must have an application on file, and it takes 24 hours to process your application. If you are a returning student, and have been absent for more than one year, you must re-apply to the college.  You can only register at your appointment time or after.  
To apply, www.grossmont.edu, click "student services" then yellow "apply & enroll online".

From WebAdvisor:

Login: first time logging in, use your firstname.lastname, and your password will be your birthday in the “MMDDYY” format (010101), no dashes or slashes.  If you have a common name, you may have numbers after your last name.  You can verify your login, by clicking “account information” at the bottom of the page, then click “what is my user ID?”

Verify registration date and time by clicking on “Registration date /time” right side of screen, near the top.

Select “search, plan & register” – this will direct you to the new self-service system.

Self-Service:

Type in the course you want in the search box, top right corner.  For the corrections academy, type aoj103 or aoj104 (and corresponding letter A-D). 

Select “view available sections for AOJ-103 or 104 (and corresponding letter A-D)".

Click “add section to schedule” large blue box on right side of screen.  You will be asked to select “add to schedule again”.  You can search / add for all of your classes in one step while in this section.

To register, select “student planning & registration” at top of page & then “plan and schedule”.

From here, you will need to click the arrow for “fall 2019” or current semester.  You will see your course(s) listed on the left.  If all is correct, you may register for each of your courses individually from here, or you can register for all of your courses from the top right “register all scheduled sections now”.

If you see a circle with a red line, this means you do not have one or more of the following:

  • It isn’t your time to register, refer back to step one.
  • You have not submitted your background application, or you have not been cleared by DOJ at this time. Please contact the AOJ office at TBD.
  • Your application has not been submitted correctly or has not been processed. Check back 24-hours after submitting both portions of the application. If you still cannot register, contact Admissions & Records at 619-644-7172.

To get back to WebAdvisor, use your arrow back key at the top of your browser. This will allow you to verify your registration date / time without logging out of the self-service system. 

Parking permit: From other services menu, lower right side of menu. Permits are required to park on campus.  If taking short-term classes you may purchase daily permits for $2 per day. 

You may make a payment online via secure website or in person at the Cashiers office. They are open Monday - Thursday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, Friday, 9:00-1:00pm (except summer, closed Fridays). All fees must be paid at the time of registration to prevent being dropped and not receiving credit for the course.

Last Updated: 06/22/2020

Police  car with flashing lights

 

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