Police Academy
POST Regular Basic Course (Class 74)
Scroll down page for timelines, entry application documents, training schedule and cost.
Open and read each attached link under "Important Documents" and follow the instructions listed in the first document titled "STEPS TO APPLY", this attachment includes a "Check-List" on page-3, all requirements and documents on the checklist must be met and included before submitting via email to swcpoliceacademy@swccd.edu.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS:
Download and save all the documents listed below to your computer before getting started.
- STEPS TO APPLY
- How to Apply to Southwestern College
- Program Entry Application (PDF) Form
- Authorization to Release Information (PDF) Form
- 3-Page-Line Paper (PDF) - (to be used for essay/autobiography)
- English, Reading & Math - Program Enrollment Prerequisite Evaluation, submit your college transcripts for evaluation. Click on this link: Program Enrollment Prerequisite Evaluation Request
Click on this link to download Acrobat Reader to complete the fillable forms above (program entry application & authorization to release information).
IMPORTANT TIMELINES:
Timelines are subject to change: It is important that you clear your calendar to be available for all dates/times listed below.
- APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
- PHYSICAL AGILITY TESTING: Saturday, May 4, 2024 (Check-in 8am to 8:30am, testing begins at 9am)
- ORAL INTERVIEWS: Tuesday, May 7 to Thursday, May 9, 2024 (PM appts) & Saturday, May 11, 2024 (AM appts)
- ORIENTATION 1: Thursday, May 16, 2024 - 5:30pm to 8:30pm
- ORIENTATION 2: Saturday, May 18, 2024 - 7:00am to 11:00am
- DAY-1 ACADEMY BEGINS: Saturday, July 6, 2024 @ 8:00 am
Contact Police Academy Office at 619-482-6462 or email at swcpoliceacademy@swccd.edu
COURSE SCHEDULE/PREREQUISITES:
Evening Program-Meeting Days/Times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1800-2200, plus Saturdays 0800-1700.
Prerequisites to apply for AJ 41-Basic Police Academy I: High School Diploma/GED, No Felony Convictions, Valid CA Driver License, College GPA 2.0 or higher, meet eligibility for English 115 with support, Reading Proficiency and Math course equivalent to or higher than Pre-Algebra.
Prerequisite to apply for AJ 42-Basic Police Academy II: Completion of AJ 41-Basic Police Academy I, before enrolling in AJ 42-Basic Police Academy II.
COST:
Estimated Cost: for 10-1/2 months of training: $4,500 to $5,000
Course description from college catalog:
The Police Academy is a Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Certificated Training Academy for California law enforcement. It meets the basic requirement for employment as a municipal, county and state law enforcement officer. State law requires completion of a POST-Certified Basic Course for lateral-entry level employment in law enforcement. The Police Academy is made up of two phases (two semesters), which requires 10-1/2 months to complete. (AJ 41– Police Academy I = 13 Units and AJ 42 – Police Academy II = 13 Units)