Police Science
Police Science
One of modern society’s most difficult responsibilities is the enforcement of laws and the protection of lives and property while at the same time respecting the constitutional rights of society as a whole and the individual. Carefully selected, highly trained and motivated peace officers are fundamental to this responsibility. In today’s society, the increasingly diverse challenges and changing service demands confronting law enforcement require that effective initial training is crucial if an officer is to acquire the critical knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to render a high quality of service.
The Police Science program is the training preparation for anyone seeking a career as a California sworn police office. It is administered by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in collaboration with the Ventura County Community College District (Ventura College).
The program includes a 2-week pre-academy orientation and preparation course, followed by a 24-week course called 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 Program is open to law enforcement agency new hires and the general public who meet the program requirements outlined in the program information below. 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 Orientation for P.O.S.T. Regular and Modular Academy (Units: 3.5) and POSC V01 Basic Law Enforcement Academy (Units: 32) – 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 Orientation for P.O.S.T. Regular and Modular Academy (Units: 0) and POSC N101 Basic Law Enforcement Academy (Units: 0). 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, 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 can be found at this website: https://www.venturacollege.edu/departments/student-services/counseling
There is also a noncredit Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
Credit Courses
This is a basic training course for new law enforcement officers which includes administration of justice, patrol procedures, firearms, defensive tactics, physical training, First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), traffic investigation, water safety, and driver training. This course covers the 910 hours required by the Ventura County Sheriff's Department POST Certification.
This course is an orientation for the P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) regular and modular academy training. Emphasis is placed on assisting the student in preparing for successful completion of the P.O.S.T. regular or modular academy training.
Noncredit Courses
This is a basic training course for new law enforcement officers which includes administration of justice, patrol procedures, firearms, defensive tactics, physical training, First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), traffic investigation, water safety, and driver training. This course covers the 910 hours required by the Ventura County Sheriff's Department POST Certification.
This course is an orientation for the P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Regular and Modular Academy training. Emphasis is placed on assisting the student in preparing for successful completion of the P.O.S.T. regular or modular academy training.