Police Academy
POST Regular Basic Course (Class 75)
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, including the documents listed on the checklist must be met before submitting a program entry application to the Police Academy Office.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS:
Download and save all the documents listed below to your computer before getting started.
- Steps to Apply Instructions
- How to Apply to Southwestern College
- Program Entry Application (PDF) Form
- Authorization to Release Information (PDF) Form
- 3-Page-Line Paper (PDF) - *must be used for hand-written essay/autobiography
- English, Reading & Math - Click on this link to submit a: 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)
Accepting Applications starting: January 6, 2025 through May 8, 2025 (Extended Deadline)
Entry POST (WSBT) Physical Agility Testing: TBA
Entry Oral Interviews: TBA
Orientation 1: TBA
Orientation 2: TBA
Academy Begins: Saturday, July 5, 2025 @ 8:00 am
Direct questions to the 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 entire 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)