Modular Peace Officer Academy

Part-Time Training Academy

The Basic Peace Officer Training Academy was established in 1953. The Academy serves 11 counties in Southern California. Candidates in the program receive practical and technical instruction to meet the requirements of various law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal level. Classes provide training geared toward individuals who have already been hired by a law enforcement agency (sponsored students) and people interested in a law enforcement career (non-sponsored students). The modular academy offers courses on a part-time basis, which may be ideal for working students.

Self-Sponsored Application Module Dates Background Information

Academy Information

The Modular Academy covers a total of 855 hours of instructions for all three modules combined and is certified the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). You will receive training to satisfy full-time Peace Officer instruction in as little as 13 months divided into three modules (levels).

Overview and Requirements

Learn more about what's required when applying to the Basic Peace Officer Academy.

  • Module III Academy (Level III Reserve Officer Training)
  • Module II Academy (Level II Reserve Officer Training)
  • Module I Academy (Level I Reserve Officer Training)

Acceptance Checklist (pdf)

Agency-Sponsored Recruits

Any agencies seeking to enroll recruits need to contact RSD. Agency-sponsored recruits do not need to complete self-sponsored enrollment requirements.

Under Cal/OSHA Title 8 Section 3395, all outside agencies are required to provide heat illness prevention training to their employees and completion of such training is a prerequisite for agency recruits.

Academy Modules and Dates

Before applying to MVC's Basic Peace Officer Academy, be sure understand the costs, procedures and application process. Choose a module to learn about the information covered, upcoming academy dates, and to review cost estimates.

California Community Colleges require that a student be a resident of California for one year and a day prior to registering for classes. If you do not meet this requirement, you could be subject to out of state fees. Contact Admissions for specific details at (951) 571-6370. Additionally, under Cal/OSHA Title 8 Section 3395, all outside agencies are required to provide heat illness prevention training to their employees and completion of such training is a prerequisite for agency recruits.

About Module III

ADJ-R1A2 (192 Course Hours, 7.5 College Units)

The Module III Academy is a 192 hour (approximately 3 months) course designed to meet the minimum requirements of a Level III Reserve Officer as established by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). It is the first component of the Regular Basic Course-Modular Format Academy.

The Module III Academy is a discipline/stress oriented program with an emphasis on Professionalism/Ethics & Leadership, Lifetime Fitness, Vehicle Operations, Arrest Methods/Defensive Tactics, Report Writing, First Aid/CPR, and Firearms training. In addition there will be inspections, drill training (formation, facing movements, marching, etc.), and physical exercises (running, push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc.). Recruits will attend the Academy in full uniform. There are two knowledge-based examinations administered throughout the course which require a recruit to receive a passing score in order to successfully complete the Module III Academy. Students must also successfully pass Defensive Tactics and Firearms testing in order to pass the academy.

Academy Dates

Email Kristy.Paine@mvc.edu if you are interested in this course. Physical Agility test date and time are determined at time of enrollment. Applicants will be contacted after review of their packages.

  • 2024 academy dates to be determined

Costs

The academy classes contain both agency-sponsored and self-sponsored students. Self-sponsored students enter the academy at their own expense. Agency-sponsored students are hired by a law enforcement agency prior to entering the academy.

Cost Estimates (pdf)

About Module II

ADJ-R1B (273 Course Hours, 10.5 College Units)

The Module II Academy is a 273 hour (approximately 3 months) course designed to meet the minimum requirements of a Level II Reserve Officer as established by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). It is the second component of the Regular Basic Course-Modular Format Academy.

The Module II Academy is a discipline/full-stress oriented program with an emphasis on Community Relations, Lifetime Fitness, Cultural Diversity, Arrest Methods/Defensive Tactics, Investigative Report Writing, Chemical Agents training and Firearms/Shotgun training. In addition there will be inspections, drill training (formation, facing movements, marching, etc.), and physical exercises (running, push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, etc.). Recruits will attend the Academy in full uniform. There are 9 knowledge based examinations administered throughout the course which require a recruit to receive a passing score in order to successfully complete the Module II Academy. Students must also successfully pass Defensive Tactics and Firearms testing in order to pass the academy.

Academy Dates

Email Kristy.Paine@mvc.edu if you are interested in this course. Physical Agility test date and time are determined at time of enrollment. Applicants will be contacted after review of their packages.

  • October 23, 2023 - February 1, 2024.
    • Application date has passed.
  • 2024 academy dates to be determined.

Costs

The academy classes contain both agency-sponsored and self-sponsored students. Self-sponsored students enter the academy at their own expense. Agency-sponsored students are hired by a law enforcement agency prior to entering the academy.

Cost Estimates (pdf)

About Module I

ADJ-R1C (447 Course Hours, 17 College Units)

The Module I Academy is a 447 hour (approximately 6 months) course designed to meet the minimum requirements of a Level I Reserve Officer or full-time peace officer as established by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). It is the last component of the Regular Basic Course - Modular Format Academy.

The Module I Academy is a high-discipline/high-stress oriented program with an emphasis on emergency vehicle operations, lifetime fitness, traffic accident investigation, traffic enforcement, patrol tactics, gang awareness, arrest methods/defensive tactics, investigative report writing, and firearms training. In addition there will be inspections, drill training (formation, facing movements, marching, etc.), and physical exercises (running, push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, etcetera). Recruits will attend the Academy in full uniform. There is one knowledge-based examinations administered throughout the course which require a recruit to receive a passing score in order to successfully complete the Module I Academy. Students must also successfully pass 14 training scenarios, physical training, defensive tactics and firearms testing in order to graduate from the academy.

Academy Dates

Email Kristy.Paine@mvc.edu if you are interested in this course. Physical Agility test date and time are determined at time of enrollment. Applicants will be contacted after review of their packages.

  • March 2 - August 8, 2024.
    • Applications due by January 26.

Costs

The academy classes contain both agency-sponsored and self-sponsored students. Self-sponsored students enter the academy at their own expense. Agency-sponsored students are hired by a law enforcement agency prior to entering the academy.

Cost Estimates (pdf)

Enrollment Requirements

  • 1

    Read POST minimum standards

    Ensure you have read and understand the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) minimum standards by printing out the requirements checklist and putting your initials to the left of each number. By initialing, you indicate that you meet the POST requirement.
    Next Step
    After you have met all the requirements, sign your name and print it legibly below the signature, then date the document. You will need to attach your POST requirements document to your application packet. Visit the POST website to view additional information about Peace officer selection process.
  • 2

    Apply to MVC

    Complete the college application process and select COA - Admin of Justice - Law Enforcement as your program of study. If you're interested in financial aid, make sure to also file your FAFSA for the correct academic year.
    More Information
    Assistance with financial aid can be sought through Student Financial Services, while Veteran students are encouraged to seek support through MVC's Veteran Services program.
  • 3

    Complete basic reading and writing requirements

    Student must show comprehension of basic level reading and writing. You have several options to fulfill this requirement, including taking an English assessment test and placing into English 1A or equivalent; providing proof of having successfully completed ENG-50 and REA-82 or equivalent; providing proof of having a college degree from an accredited institution; or provide proof of having taken the POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) with a T-score of 40 or above, within 12 months of the class start date.
    Schedule an Assessment
    To schedule an English assessment and placement, contact Nidia Fernandez at the School of Public Safety by email or call (951) 571-6181.
  • 4

    Complete your background information

    Self-sponsored recruits must supply background information including a personal history statement, a Department of Justice (DOJ) clearance letter after completing the fingerprinting process, medical clearance, as well as proof of driver's record. This background information must be compiled, organized in the correct order, and submitted for review by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. After review, recruits will be up for selection or non-selection.
    More Information
    Recruits are responsible for associated costs related to completing background information, including medical exams, finger printing, and so on. Note that students can complete a medical exam at low cost through MVC's Student Health and Psychological Services.
  • 5

    Pass a physical agility test

    You will be contacted by someone at the academy to schedule your Physical Fitness Assessment. This test consists of a 1.5 mile run, sit ups and push-ups.
    • 6

      Review selection status

      A final decision will be made and you will receive a letter of selection or non-selection from Moreno Valley College. If you are accepted, the letter will provide the next steps in this process. Just because you turn in every document, does NOT mean that you will be selected to continue in the process or into the academy.
      Selection Letters
      A selection letter will inform you that you have been selected and provide the start date and ending date of your academy, and the date and time for the orientation. It is very important for you to attend this orientation. A non-selection letter will inform you that you were not selected for the current academy. Direct questions about non-selection to Sgt. C. Ternes.
      • 7

        Print your college application confirmation page

        Print your college application confirmation page (from step 2) and bring it to the first day of class. BCTC admissions staff will enroll you the first day. Recruits do not self-enroll.

      Recruit Background Information

      Each self-sponsored recruit must supply background information including a personal history statement, information about your driver's record, medical clearance and a DOJ clearance letter.

      Complete the Personal History Statement document. Be sure to save as you go so you don't lose any of your work. As this is an extensive document, printing it out and penciling in the answers before transcribing may be the safest bet.

      When you are done, print out two copies: one for your records, and one to submit.

      Personal History Statement Document (doc)

      Complete the Live Scan Fingerprint application process and submit the DOJ firearms clearance letter that will be sent to you 1-2 weeks later. The letter must be dated within 6 months of the start date of the academy.

      Prices can be increased by DOJ at any time and the rolling fee for the agency can vary. Dates and time may also change. Make sure to read the top of the page with other documents you must take with you. When making your appointment, be sure to check what payment methods they accept, whether cash, check, credit card.

      Live Scan Fingerprint Form (pdf)  Live Scan Locations (pdf)

      Complete and submit a medical physical examination. You can visit your own physician or a local clinic. Current college students may visit Student Health and Psychological Services for a low-cost exam, or receive an exam at other areas in the Riverside or San Bernardino counties.

      Medical exam prices are subject to change and are approximated. When you make the appointment, make sure of the cost and methods of payment.

      Access Medical Clearance Forms (pdf) Find Other Medical Exam Locations (pdf)

      Obtain a printout of your driving record. You can either print it from the DMV website or visit your local DMV office. Again, this printout must also be dated within the preceding 6 months of the start date of the academy.

      Request Your Driver's Record

      Submit a photocopy of the following:

      • Current Driver's License
      • Current Vehicle Registration
      • Current Vehicle Insurance card
      • Medical card (if you have one)

      For vehicle registration and insurance, submit documents for the vehicle(s) that you will be driving throughout the academy.

      When the above steps have been completed, assemble your documents in the following order:

      • Application Coversheet
      • Peace Officer Selection Requirements Checklist
      • Proof of basic reading/writing (college assessment test results, course completion, associate degree, PELLETB with 40+ T-Score)
      • Completed Personal History Statement
      • DOJ Clearance Letter
      • Completed Medical Clearance Form
      • DMV Driver's Record print out
      • Photocopies of all documents requested in step 6 (above)

      Bring your completed package to Ben Clark Training Center and drop it off in the drop box located in Modular Building 14. Your package will then be reviewed by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

      For any questions or assistance at this point, refer to your post-application contact.

      Contact Us

      MVC's Basic Peace Officer Deputy Academy is offered in conjunction with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Support for agency-sponsored recruits and recruits who have submitted their packets can be directed to your post-application contact.

      As MVC students, cadets are also entitled to career and academic advising through the School of Public Safety.

      School of Public SafetyRivCo Sheriff's Department
      MVC graduates

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