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Why You Should Choose Our Academy
Basic academy training is the foundation of a
successful and rewarding law enforcement career. At our training center,
the Basic Academy is the most important program we present. We put
students first in all that we do. Our last accreditation review listed
our "students come first" policy as an exemplary aspect of our
program. We look at each student, or cadet, as an individual and our goal is to
create a challenging opportunity that enables cadets to become the very best
they can be. Graduates often say that the Basic Academy was the most
challenging experience of their life.
Today, law enforcement agencies are
looking for more than just educated officers. They want people who can
solve problems and who understand racial and cultural differences. Chiefs
prefer "smarter" more than "tougher." Chiefs and Sheriffs are looking for
officers who, regardless, of size, possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities
consistent with the community policing philosophy. If this sounds like you, then
you are the type of person law enforcement is looking for and we are the academy
that will properly prepare you for a successful law enforcement career.
We place a very heavy emphasis
on leadership, ethics, and community policing principles. Central to
this emphasis is officer safety, problem solving, and the
development of character. Our educational philosophy is well defined and
includes a detailed discipline model all of which is intended to develop outstanding law
enforcement officers. Graduates earn their certificates by meeting
some of the highest standards for Basic Academy graduates in the state.
We utilize state-of-the-art technology in all aspects of the
program. Our classrooms are equipped with the latest computer
technology and provide a laptop computer at every student seat.
We
employ a full time staff of coordinators, a recruit training officer, drill
instructors, and
utilize over 100 part time working law enforcement professionals to deliver
instruction. Each of these individuals is committed to promoting cadet success in a positive and challenging learning environment. Our staff is
aggressive with job placement and we are visited regularly by law enforcement
agencies from all over California. We have the reputation you are looking for.
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The Training Center
Learn More About Our History
Basic Law Enforcement Academy
Formats
The basic law enforcement academy is a vocational training program certified by
the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.)
and accredited by Napa Valley College. Graduates earn 24 units of
transferable credit. Completion
of the Basic Academy is required in order to be hired as a full time peace
officer or level 1 reserve peace officer in California. The Criminal Justice Training Program offers the
Basic Academy in two different formats including both day and evening programs.
Both academy formats have the same content, testing and graduation standards, but are scheduled
differently in order to meet the needs of our cadets.
The day time intensive format academy is a 22-week program offered twice per
year and meets from 7:00 AM until 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. This program is intended for those
cadets
who are not working a full time job or who are being sponsored by a law enforcement
agency.
The evening extended format academy is currently
being revised and will be offered next in September of 2009. This academy
will meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00PM until 10:00PM and on
Saturdays from 8:00AM until 5:00PM (several classes are scheduled on Fridays and
Sundays). This program is ideal for
cadets working full or part time and for those
seeking a career change.
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Academy
Class Start Dates
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Entrance
Requirements And Readiness Assessment
A great way for students to prepare for entry
to the Basic Police Academy and a successful career in law enforcement is to
complete the
Academy
Orientation Course. This class is
designed to give students insight to the Basic Police Academy and how to
prepare for the rigors of the program. It will give students an
edge. This course is highly recommended for both students who are
putting themselves through the academy as well as for those being sponsored by a
department.
Click here to
register.
Candidates for the Basic Academy must be a high school graduate or have passed
the General Education Development Test (California Government Code Section 1031(e)).
Cadets must be at least 18 years of age for peace officer employment. It is strongly
suggested that all cadets reach the age of 21 by the time they graduate from the
Academy.
All candidates must have a valid California Driver's License without
restrictions (other than required glasses or contact lenses). Candidates must obtain a
medical clearance from a doctor prior to beginning the Academy (an eye
examination is also highly recommended). California Government Code Section 1030 and 1031(e) require a fingerprint check
through the California Department of Justice and F.B.I. to reveal any criminal records.
Submission of fingerprints to the California Department of Justice must be completed by
the first day of the Academy. Applicants may not have any pending
misdemeanor or felony actions pending in any jurisdiction within the United
States. In addition, applicants must not be the subject of any
restraining order issued by any court within the United States and may not be
on any form of probation.
The Basic Police Academy is demanding both academically and
physically, so before cadets invest time and money into this program, the
academy wants to be sure cadets are adequately prepared. Cadets may demonstrate academic readiness in one of the
following ways.
1. Graduation from high school with a GPA of at least
3.0 with course work that includes completion of a math course above algebra II
(calculus or trigonometry) or completion of at least three years of foreign
language study. OR
2. Graduation from an accredited college or university
with an earned associates degree or higher. OR
3. Completion of the POST Entry Level Peace Officer
Reading and Writing exam with a "T-Score" of at least 40.
Cadets meeting options 1or 2 must submit copies of high
school or college transcripts with their application for the academy. Cadets who have taken the POST Entry Level Reading and Writing exam within
the last year and achieved a passing score may submit written proof of that
score with their application for the academy. A physical agility test
is also required that includes running 1.5
miles within 17 minutes, performing 17 push-ups within one minute, and
performing 25 sit-ups within one minute. This test must be completed
prior to submitting a deposit.
The POST Reading and Writing exam and physical agility test
are both administered monthly at the training center FREE OF CHARGE to cadets.
Click
here to register for the next
entrance exam
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Basic Police Academy
Training
The Basic Police Academy is a high discipline, moderate stress law
enforcement training program. It is a demanding program both mentally and
physically. The Basic Police Academy is the first of three parts
included in basic training for police officers and deputy sheriffs. The goal of the program is to prepare cadets to be hired as a
police officer or deputy sheriff in California and to give them the skills
necessary to be successful in a field training program. The field training
program builds upon what is learned in the Basic Police Academy and prepares an
officer for solo work in the field.
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All formats of the Basic Academy include curriculum mandated
by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. A
local advisory committee, that includes the Sheriff of Napa County, Solano
County, and the chiefs from the law enforcement agencies in both counties,
directs the academy on additional subject matter. Our academy program
places a heavy emphasis on leadership, ethics, and community policing in every
subject matter area. We also believe that officer safety and the ability
to utilize proper tactics in the field is paramount to accomplishing the law
enforcement mission. Over 30% of our instructional hours are dedicated to
officer safety and field tactics. The curriculum is evolving continuously in order to
provide the most contemporary approach possible.
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Orientation for the basic police academy begins when a
student makes a deposit and is issued an orientation package. Students
are giving access to the Student Resource Center and assigned to read
all of the academy's policy manuals. Orientation day begins
with students working together to prepare a group resume.
Students take an oath to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and become
academy cadets. The rest of the day includes a complete overview
of the academy's operational and graduation requirements. A family orientation is also provided for family members
and significant others. |
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Training Day One begins with an introduction of the
drill instructors. Cadets arrived dressed in their class
"A" uniforms and learn basic drill and ceremony, formation and
inspection procedures, and all of the official academy protocols.Drill instructors help cadets focus on
"attention to detail" and adherence to
instructions. The Academy's discipline model is used to develop time management, organizational skills, accountability,
and a reliance on team work. |
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The Basic Academy is presented in a
"high discipline, moderate stress" environment. The
expectations are high and uncompromising. Cadets are challenged in
a way that provides for the development of self-confidence and
courage. This highly disciplined environment is carefully balanced
by the academy training team who creates a learning environment that is
positive and energized so that cadets are afforded every opportunity
to be successful. Our staff is motivated by
excellence in
all that we do and we demand nothing less from our cadets.
Together, this approach has established the Napa Valley Basic Police Academy
as a premier training program in the law enforcement community. |
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The program fees include all books, binders, handout
materials, physical training uniforms, hat, jacket, ammunition, and
range supplies. Cadets are issued a CD ROM that contains the
entire P.O.S.T. workbook library and a wide variety of academy related
reference materials. The use of
these the P.O.S.T. workbooks has significantly improved Cadet performance on written
exams and scenario tests. Each workbook contains study materials,
self-assessment quizzes, chapter synopsis, glossary, and learning
activities all designed to help cadets learn the complexities of law
enforcement.
Click
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Cadets in every basic academy class use laptop
computers with wireless Internet access for report writing, research,
and to access the P.O.S.T. Student Workbook Library. Cadets are
issued a CD ROM that contains the entire workbook library, a wide
variety of academy resource materials, and instructor handouts.
This CD ROM is fully interactive with the Internet and contains links to
the academy's website and web board. This CD ROM can be used in
the field after graduation in order to provide reference materials that
are useful in the field. In the near future, students will use the
laptop computers for testing. The academy now requires students to
have access to computer with the Internet at home. |
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The law enforcement profession is rich with tradition
and history. The para-military nature of law enforcement provides
an opportunity to exercise many important traditions including the daily
raising of the flag of the United States and State of California.
The academy's parade deck sits in front of the flag area. The
first academy class to start the day is responsible for raising the
flags. The last class to leave the academy at the end of the day
is responsible for lowering the flags. The flags fly only when an
academy class is in session.
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Cadets can expect to
devote 1 to 2 hours of study each night in order to prepare for a battery of test
questions that follow each block of instruction. The Basic Academy includes 26 written examinations, one mid-term, and one final written
examination. The Academy Class is
organized into four squads each with a Squad Leader. Four Squad Leaders and one Class
Lieutenant are appointed by the Academy staff during the first week.
These positions are rotated every two weeks giving every cadet the
chance to be a class leader. |
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Law enforcement is a team oriented profession.
Although it is true that most patrol officers work alone in a patrol
car, no single officer can be effective alone. The academy
emphasizes team work in a variety of ways. Cadets are required to
form study groups. Instructors give small group assignments and
hold the team accountable for the results. Each academy class, as
a whole unit, is charged with developing and implementing a community
policing project with the intent of enhancing the quality of life on the
college campus. |
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Law enforcement
officers must have an appreciation of diversity and a thorough
understanding of issues related to tolerance, racism, and hate
crimes. Academy classes travel to the
Simon Wiesenthal Museum of
Tolerance in Los Angeles and attend the Museum's
Tools for Tolerance program.
This program, designed
specifically for law enforcement, includes touring several
inter-active experiences including the holocaust exhibit. Cadets
hear from a holocaust survivor and have the chance to learn about not
only what happened, but how it happened. |
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The Fitness For Life training program is designed to teach Cadets how
to develop
and maintain good physical condition. The program includes traditional exercise,
short distance sprinting, and distance running
in order to develop both physical strength and cardiovascular endurance.
Cadets train 3 to 4 days a week throughout the academy.
By the end of the program, Cadets run at least 3 miles and pass the final
physical test that includes push-ups, sit-ups, a 1.5 mile run, and an obstacle course,
with a solid fence climb, a chain link fence climb, a
body drag, and a 500 yard sprint. |
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One of the most exciting parts of
the Basic Academy is the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course. Cadets
receive an initial block of classroom instruction followed by three full days on the driving track. Cadets begin by learning proper backing and parking
techniques followed by high speed and pursuit driving using new Crown
Victoria police vehicles! The final test
includes driving a timed course with over 200 cones and reaching the end without hitting
more than two cones in just over two minutes.
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The proper and effective use of force is a critical, sometimes
life and death, decision making process. Cadets
are instructed thoroughly on the laws related to use of force and how to
effectively make use of force decisions. Tactical communications
includes how to talk with people and to persuade
them in an effort to gain voluntary compliance with the law. When
this fails, law enforcement officers must use force. Academy cadets
are trained in a variety of weaponless defense techniques, also known as
methods of arrest and control. |
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Weaponless defense training includes many hours of hands-on
practice including control holds, handcuffing techniques, take-downs,
high-risk take-downs and handcuffing, handgun retention, long gun
retention, and ground grappling. Cadets
receive group and individual instruction and practice on each
other. In addition, cadets learn how
to safely search suspects for weapons. The final exam is a
grueling demonstration of every technique. |
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Graduates are certified in use of both the straight and side
handle baton. A baton is an "impact weapon" with origins
in many different martial arts. Cadets
learn how to use the baton with power, balance, and proper
technique. The final test includes demonstrating each move in an
elaborate sequence. This test is performed once for each baton. |
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The culmination of weaponless defense and impact weapons
training is the "sustained resistance" exercise. This
exercise is done twice during the academy, once with each the straight
and side handle baton. Cadets move
through a 9 minute exercise designed to simulate a fight with multiple
suspects. Instructors, wearing padded suits, engage cadets
in such away that the cadet is required to
demonstrate proper use of the baton, effective power, and balance under
stress. |
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This exercise challenges cadets
physically and mentally. It develops self-confidence in the use of
batons and weaponless defense, but more importantly it develops a
survival mentality. This exercise simulates a dangerous and
potentially life threatening encounter for a law enforcement
officer. It allows a cadet to feel
what it is like to be in just such a situation and provides a powerful
experience that could never be taught in the classroom. Cadets
often say that this exercise is one of the most fun and most important
parts of their academy experience. |
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Many cadets come the Basic Police Academy
with no experience handling or firing handguns. These cadets
are often our "best shots." Instruction begins in the
classroom with "hands-on" work. Cadets
learn handgun safety, safety with guns in the home, and how law
enforcement officers use a handgun as a "tool" in the
job. The academy encourages cadets
to wait to purchase a firearm until after firearms training is
completed. The academy provides cadets
with Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handguns (9mm) and all of the
required gear for use while in the academy. |
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Cadets may use their own handgun (9mm, .40, or
.45 caliber) if the range master approves. Training on the
firearms range starts out with the basics using a 7-step draw as a
foundation. Instruction moves quickly from static line shooting to
more realistic combat style shooting. Cadets
shoot in standing, kneeling, and prone positions using their strong and
weak hand. Barricades are used to simulate building and other
obstacles at distances up to 25 yards.
Click
Here For Video |
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However, cadets must learn to handle a firearm and a
flashlight while conducting building searches and other tactical
operations in low light conditions. Learning to shoot accurately
at night is essential since most officer involved shootings occur during
the hours of darkness. Cadets are required to demonstrate the safe
and accurate handling of a handgun and shotgun by completing three
separate shooting qualification courses. All of these courses are
combat style and involve movement and strict time limits. |
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The 12 gauge pump-action shotgun is a new experience for many
academy cadets. It is a multi-function weapon that can be used to
deploy traditional shotgun rounds, rifled slugs, chemical agents, and
less-lethal munitions. Like the handgun,
instruction starts with the basics an safety. Our goal is for graduates to leave
the academy feeling confident in the use of the shotgun. Cadets
are required to qualify with the shotgun in both day and low light
combat style courses. |
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Cadets are trained with three
different types of less than lethal chemical agents through a variety of
hands-on experiences. Exposure not only
prepares an officers for use of chemical agents on the street, but also
allows them to understand the physical and psychological effects of the
agent. Cadets learn how to survive an attack with chemical agents
and how to take a suspect into custody safely. The exercises also
allow cadets to learn decontamination procedures through first hand
experience.
Click Here For
Video |
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In today's world, it's not enough to be a keen investigator or
just a good beat cop. Law enforcement officers must have a
thorough knowledge of how to handle unusual incidents including
everything from how to extinguish a fire to how to respond to a
bio-chemical attack. New curriculum is introduced with every class
on bombs, weapons of mass destruction, and major incident
response. We believe the best way for cadets
to learn is by providing hands-on experience. |
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Law enforcement officers are first responders to any
major incident involving a train. Active railroad exists or
borders every jurisdiction in Napa and Solano county. The academy works in cooperation
with Operation Life Saver to educate law enforcement officers on train
safety, how to effectively enforce railroad related laws, and how to
respond to a railroad related incident. Students learn how to stop
a train in case of an emergency and how to interact with train crew
personnel. Cadets learn through a
hands-on experience provided by the Napa Valley Railroad. |
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Central to the successful prosecution of every criminal case is
the discovery and proper collection of evidence. Academy cadets
learn how to collect and package evidence, document crime scenes, and
how to maintain a chain-of-custody, by participating in series of
hands-on exercises. Cadets learn how
to recover latent finger prints, recover and preserve blood evidence,
how to sketch a crime scene, and how to document the entire process for
use in court. The final test includes responding to a crime scene
that is tied into one of the four investigative scenario tests. Cadets
work in teams to write a basic search warrant and to effectively process
the crime scene. |
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The work of law enforcement officers is very often evaluated in
a court of law. Courtroom testimony must be presented in a
professional manner. Cadets learn
about effective courtroom presentation and how to testify from the
District Attorney's Office. Using the criminal investigation and
crime scene described above, cadets go to
an actual courtroom and respond to questions posed by the instructor as
well as a guest speaker - a defense attorney. Cadets
experience a real "cross-examination" and come to realize the
importance of report writing, victim interviewing, suspect
interrogation, and evidence collection - how it all comes together. |
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The Basic Academy concludes with four days of scenario
testing that enable Cadets to apply what they have learned throughout the Academy in
realistic role play scenarios. A total of 30 scenario tests, including
reports, are administered over the four day period. During the
last hour of the last night of testing, cadets who successfully pass
each test assemble in a formation in front of their instructors.
The Academy Director presents each cadet with a gold academy coin as a
symbol of this huge accomplishment. The Academy Director is
followed by a procession of instructors who congratulate each cadet individually.
Click Here For Video
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The reward for completing the Basic Academy is the
diploma given at graduation. Police academy graduations are major
events at Napa Valley College and for the community as a
whole. The ceremony begins at 10:00AM on the Saturday after
the last day of class. The public is invited and encouraged to
attend.
The ceremony begins with a traditional formation
march, with a bag piper, from the parade deck up to the
gymnasium. A formal inspection is conducted by a chief
officer. Click Here To See A
Cadet Graduate
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After the inspection, Cadets march into the gymnasium to begin
a ceremony typically attended by 1000 or more people. The Class
President and Recruit Training Officer speak about their respective
experiences. One of the very special part of the ceremony is the
presentation of the achievement awards described
below. Cadets swear an oath to the Law Enforcement
Code of Ethics and are then certified by the academy director to have
completed all of the basic training requirements to be hired as a full
time peace officer. Completion of the Basic Academy is a huge accomplishment
and one our Cadets are proud of. |
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Basic Police Academy Achievement
Awards
The academy presents
seven achievement awards during the graduation ceremony to acknowledge
exceptional performance demonstrated during the police academy program.
The criteria for these awards includes not only outstanding achievement
as measured by the total score within a core dimension, but also the
individuals ethical conduct and leadership shown while
completing the activities that serve as the basis for the award.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
IN ACADEMIC SKILLS Given to the student who achieves the highest
overall score on the 27 P.O.S.T. written examinations and 15 academy
specific written tests.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
IN COMMUNICATION SKILLS Given to the student who achieves the highest
overall score on 13 report writing tests, the individual cross-cultural
research project presentation, and the final portfolio project
presentation. This award strongly considers the impact of both formal
oral presentations on members of the class.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
IN PROBLEM SOLVING Given to the student who achieves the highest
overall score on all academy activities related to decision making and
problem-solving. This includes most role play scenario tests and the
investigative practicum.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
IN PHYSICAL SKILLS Given to the student who demonstrates physical
ability and skill by achieving the highest overall score in defensive
tactics, firearms training, emergency vehicle operations, and physical
fitness testing.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
IN INTERPERSONAL SKILLS Given to the student who achieves the highest
overall score in role play scenario tests related to crisis intervention
and victimology as well as in the research portion of the individual
cross-cultural research project. Strong consideration is also given to
how the student relates to others as evaluated by the academy staff.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT
IN SELF IMPROVEMENT Given to the student who achieves the highest
overall score in the academys ethics oral board, attendance during the
academy, and in participation during physical training. In addition,
strong consideration is given to how the student demonstrates
self-awareness and self-improvement during the academy.
CLASS VALEDICTORIAN
Given to the student who achieves the highest overall score in all six
core dimensions included in the police academy. This award is the
highest honor presented by the academy during the graduation ceremony.
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Equipment,
Fees, And Financial Aid
The cost of the Basic Academy is
$2700.00. The cost for out
of state or out of country cadets is approximately
$5900.00. We offer
an exceptional value to law enforcement cadets as this fee includes college
registration, access to the student health center, a CD ROM containing all P.O.S.T. workbooks, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course,
trip to the Simon Wiesenthal Museum in Los Angeles, ammunition, range supplies and equipment, and
all uniform gear. A $500.00
deposit
is required to hold a seat in any Academy class (includes a $100.00
non-refundable payment). Cadets may submit a deposit with a completed
application form and proof of academic readiness (see above). Deposits
may be paid by cash, check, or money order. Credit card payments may
made in person during normal business hours at the college. The entire deposit is applied directly to the
fees due leaving a remaining balance.
Students must purchase a
uniform and equipment voucher prior to the start of the academy. This
voucher is non-refundable after purchase. The Class "A" and "B"
uniform is provided by redeeming this voucher at Cardwell's Uniforms in
Suisun.
A payment plan for the balance of the tuition is available through the academy.
Cadets are responsible for their own transportation and lodging.
Students are required to have access to the internet and an
electronic mail account. It is highly recommended that students have
their own computer, however, computers with internet access are available on
campus.
Financial Aid is available through the
College Financial Aid
Office. Many cadets are eligible for a Board of Governors'
grant, as well as other grants that will fund the entire cost of the
program. Student loans are also available through the Financial Aid
Office. Are you an active or former member of the military?
The Basic Police Academy qualifies for funding from the G.I. Bill. Do
not let the cost of the program stand in your way, call 707-253-3020 for
further information. A special scholarship is also available for basic academy
students. The
Napa Valley College Police
Academy Top Student Scholarship offers $200.00 for the student earning the
overall top score in the police academy.
Long term housing is available through a special offer from the
Hawthorn Inn and Suites located six blocks from the training center.
Contact the manager for specific details. 1-800-527-1133.
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Ready
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