This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.
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The Certificate of Achievement in Law Enforcement provides POST-certified basic law enforcement training and satisfies the entry-level training requirement for California peace officers, as specified in Commission Regulation 1005. It prepares students for entry-level peace officer positions in local and state law enforcement agencies.
The comprehensive coursework, taught by experienced law enforcement and legal professionals, combines career competencies and technical skills with real-world knowledge. Course topics include: leadership, professionalism and ethics, the criminal justice system, community relations, criminal law, investigative report writing, crime scene investigation, forensics, information systems, cultural diversity/bias and procedural justice.
Candidates must meet state minimums and be at least 20 years of age at application and 21 years of age by academy graduation.
Candidates must also be a US citizen or have an accepted application for US citizenship in progress.
All coursework and training occurs at the Alameda County Sheriff's Regional Training Center. For additional eligibility and program requirements, please visit https://www.chabotcollege.edu/academics/applied-technology-business/admj/alameda-county-sheriffs-academy.php.
The Law Enforcement certificate prepares students for an entry-level career as a Peace Officer in the state of California, Deputy Sheriff, State Trooper, Border Patrol Agent, Fish and Game Warden, as well as a Special Jurisdiction Police Officer, including public college and university police forces and public school district police. The certificate also supports careers as a criminal investigator, detective, and supervisory positions. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, law enforcement has a projected growth rate of 5% and the median annual salary for a police officer in California is $63,380.