About Program
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Important Links:
VC Police Academy Admission Requirements and Information
VC Police Academy Application Instructions
VC Police Academy Medical Clearance Forms
Program Requirements and Mission:
The Police Science program, also known as the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, is the training preparation for anyone seeking a career as a California sworn police officer. It is administered by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in collaboration with the Ventura County Community College District (Ventura College).
It is the mission of the RBC "to prepare entry-level law enforcement trainees mentally, morally, emotionally and physically for entry into a field training program, assume the responsibilities, and execute the duties of a peace officer in society."
The program includes a 2-week orientation and preparation course, followed by a 24-week Police Science course referred to as the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. The Academy, which is more formally called the Regular Basic Course or RBC, is certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).
The Academy is presented in an intensive format; 5 days per week, 8 hours per day, for 24 weeks. Successful completion of the program is required by POST for all new law enforcement officers in the state of California.
The Academy Program is open to law enforcement agency new hires and the general public who meet the program requirements outlined in the program information below.
What Are the Requirements to Apply for the Basic Law Enforcement Academy?
Students interested in completing the Basic Law Enforcement Academy program must follow these steps.
- Apply for admission to Ventura College or already be an admitted student.
- Submit the Police Academy Application packet and return the completed packet to the Criminal Justice department.
- Fulfill all qualifying requirements as listed in the VC Police Academy Application Instructions and VC Police Academy Admission Requirements and Information documents that are linked below. Application requirements and state screening requirements are explained in these documents.
4. Once cleared on all enrollment requirements, the student must enroll in and successfully complete the pre-academy orientation course - either POSC V01A or POSC N101A.
5. Upon successful completion of the pre-academy orientation course, the student may enroll in the Basic Law Enforcement Academy – either POSC V01 or POSC N101.
Applications will normally be accepted twice yearly. Admission is subject to available openings. All information, application dates, and applicable forms can be found at this link: Basic Law Enforcement Academy Information
Contact the Post Basic Academy Liaison at (805) 289-6316 with any questions regarding these procedures.
Why are there two pre-academy and two academy courses?
The Academy Program courses can be taken either for college credit or as noncredit courses. Either option meets the agency requirements for new hires. All students have the options below:
- POSC V01A Pre-Academy (3.5 units) and POSC V01 Academy (32 units) – credit courses with standard tuition rates. Tuition costs may be found on the Ventura College website: https://www.venturacollege.edu/apply-and-enroll/paying-for-college/fees Some students may qualify for the VC Promise that could cover some of their tuition costs. You are encouraged to contact the Ventura College financial aid department for more information. https://www.venturacollege.edu/departments/student-services/financial-aid
OR
- POSC N101A Pre-Academy and POSC N101 Academy – noncredit. These courses do not earn college credit. There are no tuition costs or additional college fees for this option.
Before deciding about which path to take, please consider the points below. It is highly recommended that you consult with a VC academic counselor to review the options that are best for your situation. Information about contacting a counselor is listed below.
The advantage of the credit courses is that you will earn a Certificate of Achievement if you successfully complete both credit classes. If you also complete general education courses or have completed those when you earned a different degree (GE requirements don’t have to be repeated), you will earn an Associate of Science degree. This may be important not only for your future goals but could possibly lead to a pay differential with an agency, depending upon their salary policies.
The advantage of noncredit courses is that there aren’t any tuition costs. These courses are also repeatable, should you not complete the classes for whatever reason. The downside of this option is that you cannot change your mind. Once you take the class as noncredit, you cannot “convert” it to credit. So, the decision is very important from the beginning.
We can’t stress this enough: Consult with a VC academic counselor who can help you sort out the best option for your particular situation. The link below will explain all options for reaching a counselor.
https://www.venturacollege.edu/departments/student-services/counseling
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of the RBC is required by California Law Enforcement Agencies before the graduate can be sworn in as a California Peace Officer.
Career opportunities available to graduates of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy include, but are not limited to:
- Police Officers
- Deputy Sheriffs
- Highway Patrol Officers
- CSU or UC Police Officers
- Correctional Officers
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Alcohol and Beverage Control Officers
What will I learn in the Academy?
The P.O.S.T. Regular Basic Course curriculum is divided into 41 individual topics, called Learning Domains that contain the minimum required foundational information for specific subjects. You may find more information about the Learning Domains at this link: https://post.ca.gov/regular-basic-course-training-specifications
Student Learning Outcomes:
Certificates Upon Completion of the Academy
Upon successful completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy program, students will receive either a Certificate of Achievement or Certificate of Completion. Certificates of Achievement are awarded to those who took the credit version of the program. Certificates of Completion are awarded to those who took the noncredit version of the program. Once the RBC (Regular Basic Course) graduate has satisfactorily completed the employing agency’s probationary period, a POST Basic Certificate is awarded, as defined in Section 1011 of Title 11 of the California Code of Regulations, to currently full-time peace officers of a POST-participating agency who have satisfactorily completed the prerequisite Regular Basic Course requirements.