Existing law requires the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, in consultation with specified entities, to develop a modern policing degree program and to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement the program. Existing law establishes the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training within the Department of Justice and requires the commission to approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers, based on the recommendations in the report.

This bill would repeal the requirement for the commission to approve and adopt the criteria described above.

Existing law requires a peace officer to meet specified requirements, including, to be a high school graduate or meet equivalency standards, as specified, or to attain a 2-year, 4-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

This bill would authorize specified credential evaluation services to evaluate the equivalency of a foreign college or university degree for purposes of attaining a degree as described above. The bill would require, commencing January 1, 2031, a peace officer, as specified, to attain one or more specified degrees or certificates no later than 36 months after receiving their basic certificate by the commission, as specified, unless the person is employed by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or as a deputy sheriff of specified counties and is employed to perform duties relating to custodial facilities, as specified, has at least 8 years of experience as a sworn peace officer of another state or at least 8 years of military service in the Armed Forces of the United States, as specified, is employed as a peace officer by the State Department of State Hospitals, or is, as of December 31, 2030, currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California. The bill would require a peace officer with experience as a sworn peace officer from another state or with experience serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who served for less than 8 years, as specified, to attain one or more of the specified degrees or certificates no later than 48 months after receiving their basic certificate by the commission. The bill would authorize coursework completed as part of military or law enforcement training to count toward a degree or certificate, as specified.

Existing law requires the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, in consultation with specified entities, to develop a modern policing degree program and to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement the program. Existing law establishes the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training within the Department of Justice and requires the commission to approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers, based on the recommendations in the report.

This bill would repeal the requirement for the commission to approve and adopt the criteria described above.

Existing law requires a peace officer to meet specified requirements, including, to be a high school graduate or meet equivalency standards, as specified, or to attain a 2-year, 4-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

This bill would authorize specified credential evaluation services to evaluate the equivalency of a foreign college or university degree for purposes of attaining a degree as described above. The bill would require, commencing January 1, 2031, a peace officer, as specified, to attain one or more specified degrees or certificates no later than 36 months after receiving their basic certificate by the commission, as specified, unless the person is employed by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or as a deputy sheriff of specified counties and is employed to perform duties relating to custodial facilities, as specified, has at least 8 years of experience as a sworn peace officer of another state or at least 8 years of military service in the Armed Forces of the United States, as specified, is employed as a peace officer by the State Department of State Hospitals, or is, as of December 31, 2030, currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California. The bill would require a peace officer with experience as a sworn peace officer from another state or with experience serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who served for less than 8 years, as specified, to attain one or more of the specified degrees or certificates no later than 48 months after receiving their basic certificate by the commission. The bill would authorize coursework completed as part of military or law enforcement training to count toward a degree or certificate, as specified.

Existing law requires the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, in consultation with specified entities, to develop a modern policing degree program and to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement the program. Existing law establishes the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training within the Department of Justice and requires the commission to approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers, based on the recommendations in the report.

This bill would repeal the requirement for the commission to approve and adopt the criteria described above.

Existing law requires a peace officer to meet specified requirements, including, to be a high school graduate or meet equivalency standards, as specified, or to attain a 2-year, 4-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

This bill would authorize specified credential evaluation services to evaluate the equivalency of a foreign college or university degree for purposes of attaining a degree as described above. The bill would require, commencing January 1, 2031, a peace officer, as specified, to attain one or more specified degrees or certificates within 36 months of no later than 36 months after receiving their basic certificate by the commission, as specified, unless the person is employed by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or as a deputy sheriff of specified counties and is employed to perform duties relating to custodial facilities, as specified, has at least 4 years of law enforcement experience from 8 years of experience as a sworn peace officer of another state or at least 4 8 years of military service in the Armed Forces of the United States, as specified, is employed as a peace officer by the State Department of State Hospitals, or is, as of December 31, 2030, currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California. The bill would require a peace officer with experience as a sworn peace officer from another state or with experience serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who served for less than 8 years, as specified, to attain one or more of the specified degrees or certificates no later than 48 months after receiving their basic certificate by the commission. The bill would authorize coursework completed as part of military or law enforcement training to count toward a degree or certificate, as specified.

Existing law requires the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, in consultation with specified entities, to develop a modern policing degree program and to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement the program. Existing law establishes the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training within the Department of Justice and requires the commission to approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers, based on the recommendations in the report.

This bill would repeal the requirement for the commission to approve and adopt the criteria described above.

Existing law requires a peace officer to meet specified requirements, including, to be a high school graduate or meet equivalency standards, as specified, or to attain a 2-year, 4-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

This bill would require, commencing January 1, 2031, a peace officer, as specified, to attain one or more specified degrees or certificates within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate by the commission, as specified, unless the person is employed by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or as a deputy sheriff of specified counties and is employed to perform duties relating to custodial facilities, as specified, has at least 4 years of law enforcement experience from another state or at least 4 years of military service in the Armed Forces of the United States, as specified, is employed as a peace officer by the State Department of State Hospitals, or is, as of December 31, 2030, currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California. The bill would authorize coursework completed as part of military or law enforcement training to count toward a degree or certificate, as specified.

Existing law requires the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, in consultation with specified entities, to develop a modern policing degree program and to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement the program. Existing law establishes the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training within the Department of Justice and requires the commission to approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers, based on the recommendations in the report.

This bill would repeal the requirement for the commission to approve and adopt the criteria described above.

Existing law requires a peace officer to meet specified requirements, including, to be a high school graduate or meet equivalency standards, as specified, or to attain a 2-year, 4-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

This bill would require, commencing January 1, 2031, a peace officer, as specified, to attain one or more specified degrees, experience, degrees or certificates within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate by the commission, as specified, unless the person is, is employed by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or as a deputy sheriff of specified counties and is employed to perform duties relating to custodial facilities, as specified, has at least 4 years of law enforcement experience from another state or at least 4 years of military service in the Armed Forces of the United States, as specified, is employed as a peace officer by the State Department of State Hospitals, or is, as of December 31, 2030, currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California. The bill would authorize coursework completed as part of military or law enforcement training to count toward a degree or certificate, as specified.

Existing law requires the commission to adopt rules establishing and upholding minimum standards relating to physical, mental, and moral fitness to govern the recruitment of peace officers, as specified, for the purpose of raising the level of competence of local law enforcement officers.

This bill would establish the Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force, with the goal of identifying and recruiting candidates for law enforcement agencies.

Existing law requires the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, in consultation with specified entities, to develop a modern policing degree program and to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement the program. Existing law establishes the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training within the Department of Justice and requires the commission to approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers, based on the recommendations in the report.

This bill would repeal the requirement for the commission to approve and adopt the criteria described above.

Existing law requires a peace officer to meet specified requirements, including, to be a high school graduate or meet equivalency standards, as specified, or to attain a 2-year, 4-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

This bill would require, commencing January 1, 2031, a peace officer, as specified, to attain one or more specified degrees degrees, experience, or certificates within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate by the commission, as specified, unless the person is, as of December 31, 2030, currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California.

Existing law requires the commission to adopt rules establishing and upholding minimum standards relating to physical, mental, and moral fitness to govern the recruitment of peace officers, as specified, for the purpose of raising the level of competence of local law enforcement officers.

This bill would establish the Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force, with the goal of identifying and recruiting candidates for law enforcement agencies.

Existing law requires the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, in consultation with specified entities, to develop a modern policing degree program and to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement the program. Existing law establishes the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training within the Department of Justice and requires the commission to approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers, based on the recommendations in the report.

This bill would repeal the requirement for the commission to approve and adopt the criteria described above.

Existing law requires a peace officer to meet specified requirements, including, to be a high school graduate or meet equivalency standards, as specified, or to attain a 2-year, 4-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

This bill would require, commencing January 1, 2031, a peace officer, as specified, to attain one or more specified degrees or certificates within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate by the commission, as specified, unless the person is, as of December 31, 2030, currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California.

Existing law requires the commission to adopt rules establishing and upholding minimum standards relating to physical, mental, and moral fitness to govern the recruitment of peace officers, as specified, for the purpose of raising the level of competence of local law enforcement officers.

This bill would establish the Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force, with the goal of identifying and recruiting candidates for law enforcement agencies.

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 992

Author:(Irwin)

As Amended Ver:September 3, 2025

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Requires a peace officer to obtain either an associate′s degree, bachelor′s degree, modern policing degree, or professional policing certificate no later than 36 months after receiving their basic certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Senate Amendments

1. Specify that notwithstanding the peace office minimum education requirements required by this bill, a person who is either of the following shall attain one or more of the specified degrees or certificates no later than 48 months after receiving their basic certificate by POST:
   1. An individual with experience as a sworn peace officer from another state who served as a peace officer for less than eight years and with a separation in good standing.
   2. An individual with experience serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who served for less than eight years and with an honorable discharge if their military service has concluded.
2. Increase the amount of Armed Forces and out-of-state sworn peace officer experience that is sufficient to exempt a peace officer from the minimum education standards proposed by this bill from two years to eight years.
3. Authorize coursework completed as part of military or law enforcement training that is within the curriculum of a modern policing degree or professional policing certificate by an individual during prior employment in the military or in law enforcement in another state to count toward a modern policing degree or a professional policing certificate.
4. Clarify that coursework completed as part of the commission-certified academy shall not solely satisfy the unit requirement for a professional policing certificate.
5. Exempt peace officers employed by the State Department of State Hospitals from the requirements of the bill.
6. Add, for purposes of peace officer minimum education standards, that a foreign college or university degree may be evaluated for equivalency by a credential evaluation service holding membership in the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). 
7. Delete this bill′s creation of a Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force with the goal of identifying and recruiting candidates for law enforcement agencies.
8. Make technical and clarifying changes.

COMMENTS

As passed by the Assembly: This bill required specified peace officers to attain an associate′s degree, bachelor′s degree, modern policing degree, professional policing certificate, or specified law enforcement or military experience, within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate from POST.

Major Provisions:

1. Required, commencing January 1, 2031, each state officer and employee designated as a peace officer, as specified, or any other peace officer employed by an agency that participates in the POST program to attain one or more of the following degrees, experiences, or certificates, within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate by POST:
   1. An associate′s degree from a community college, accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
   2. A bachelor′s degree or other advanced degree from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education
   3. A modern policing degree, which shall meet all of the following criteria:
      1. Require at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework, from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
      2. Award credits for required commission-certified academy course instruction.
      3. Offer courses that include, but are not limited to, the following list of subjects: Communications, Psychology, Writing, Ethics, and Criminal Justice.
   4. A professional policing certificate, which may be offered by any accredited college or university, and shall meet all of the following criteria:
      1. Require at least 16 or more semester units or 24 or more quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework, from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
      2. Offer courses that include, but are not limited to, the following list of subjects: Communications, Psychology, Writing, Ethics, and Criminal Justice.
   5. At least two years of military experience in good standing, with an honorable discharge if military service has concluded.
   6. At least two years of law enforcement experience from another state, with separation in good standing.
2. Authorized coursework completed as part of the commission-certified academy to count towards the modern policing degree and professional policing certificate and may count toward any associate degree or bachelor′s degree. Coursework completed as part of the commission-certified academy cannot count towards the entirety of the units required for a professional policing certificate.
3. Exempted from the above requirements any person who, as of December 31, 2030, is currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California.
4. Removed the requirement that POST approve and adopt education criteria for peace officers, based on, and within two years of, the office of the Chancellor of the Community Colleges (OCCC) submitting a report to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement a modern policing degree program.
5. Established the Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force, with the goal of identifying and recruiting candidates for law enforcement agencies, which shall be comprised of management and rank and file representatives from county sheriff departments, municipal police agencies, the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and other law enforcement organizations.

According to the Author

″Public safety is core to Californians′ quality of life, so ensuring we have peace officers who have completed thorough preparation is of critical importance. The Legislature must act on our prior direction to the law enforcement and higher education community by putting into statute several pathways for peace officers to demonstrate their preparation, so that we all can realize the benefits of a modern police force throughout California.″

Arguments in Support

According to the Peace Officers′ Research Association of California, ″AB 992 builds upon the work of a legislatively directed working group that, in 2023, provided recommendations for creating a modern policing degree. Rather than relying on a single path, this bill expands the approach by offering multiple higher education options that reflect the diverse experiences and strengths of future law enforcement professionals. These include associate′s degrees, professional certificates, prior military service, and other relevant credentials.

″AB 992 refines the previous framework by allowing greater flexibility in how education requirements can be met, rather than requiring a specific degree program to be approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). This change creates a more realistic and adaptable structure for officer education and recruitment.

″The bill also establishes a statewide task force to support recruitment efforts and encourage broader access to law enforcement careers across California′s communities. PORAC believes AB 992 is a thoughtful and balanced approach that supports the continued advancement of our profession, while keeping pathways to service open and attainable for individuals from all backgrounds. Providing officers with strong educational foundations—without imposing unnecessary barriers—will help strengthen both public safety and community trust.″

Arguments in Opposition

None received.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:

1. Unknown, potentially significant costs (General Fund, local funds) to state and local law enforcement agencies to update hiring policies relating to the minimum qualification for peace officers, and to expand pay or benefits relating to additional educational requirements. Local costs to comply with this measure may be subject to reimbursement by the state if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this bill imposes a state-mandated local program.
2. Unknown, potentially significant costs (Proposition 98, General Fund) to the extent that the bill results in an additional students enrolled in community colleges each year. Colleges are also likely to incur unknown potential costs to offer modern policing degree programs, including hiring faculty and curriculum development.

VOTES:

ASM PUBLIC SAFETY: 9-0-0

YES: Schultz, Alanis, Mark González, Haney, Harabedian, Lackey, Nguyen, Ramos, Sharp-Collins

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-0

YES: Wicks, Sanchez, Arambula, Calderon, Caloza, Dixon, Elhawary, Fong, Mark González, Hart, Pacheco, Pellerin, Solache, Ta, Tangipa

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 69-0-10

YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

ABS, ABST OR NV: Alanis, Arambula, Bennett, Caloza, Castillo, Jeff Gonzalez, Hart, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Stefani

UPDATED

VERSION: June 26, 2025

CONSULTANT: Ilan Zur / PUB. S. / (916) 319-3744 FN: 0001933

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 992

Author: Irwin (D)

Amended: 9/3/25 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: 6-0, 6/24/25

AYES: Arreguín, Seyarto, Caballero, Gonzalez, Pérez, Wiener

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/29/25

AYES: Caballero, Seyarto, Cabaldon, Dahle, Grayson, Richardson, Wahab

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 69-0, 5/15/25 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Peace officers

SOURCE: California Police Chiefs Association

DIGEST:

This bill requires, commencing January 1, 2031, a peace officer to obtain either an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, modern policing degree, professional policing certificate, or otherwise have specified military or out-of-state law enforcement experience, within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), as specified.

Senate Floor Amendments of 9/3/25 extend from four years to eight years the required prior experience as an out-of-state peace officer or military service member to be exempt from the educational requirements; give applicants with less than eight years prior military or out-of-state law enforcement experience an additional 12 months to meet the educational requirements, amounting to 48 months; provide for specified credential evaluation services for foreign degrees; make various conforming changes.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes POST to set minimum standards for the recruitment and training of peace officers, develop training courses and curriculum, and establish a professional certificate program that awards different levels of certification based on training, education, experience, and other relevant prerequisites. (Penal Code (Pen. Code), §§ 830-832.10; 13500 et seq.)
2. Establishes the powers of POST, including among others, to develop and implement programs to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement, to secure the cooperation of state-level peace officers, agencies, and bodies having jurisdiction over systems of public higher education in continuing the development of college-level training and education programs. (Pen. Code, §§ 830-832.10; 13500 et seq.)
3. Requires every peace officer in the state to satisfactorily complete an introductory training course prescribed by POST. (Pen. Code, § 832, subd. (a).)
4. Provides that each class of public officers or employees declared by law to be peace officers shall meet specified minimum standards, including that they be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development Test or other high school equivalency test, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university, as specified. (Government (Gov.) Code, § 1031.)
5. Specifies that it shall not be construed to preclude the adoption of additional or higher standards. (Gov. Code, § 1031, subd. (g).)
6. Requires any person designated as a peace officer, notwithstanding designated exceptions, or any peace officer employed by an agency that participates in a POST program must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. (Gov. Code, § 1031.4, subd. (a).)
7. Provides that any person, who as of December 31, 2021, is currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California is not subject to the age requirement of 21 years of age. (Gov. Code, § 1031.4, subd. (b).)
8. Requires representatives from POST, stakeholders from law enforcement, the California State University, and community organizations to serve as advisors to the Office of the Chancellor of the Community Colleges to develop a modern policing degree program. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd. (a).)
9. Requires the Office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges (hereinafter, “OCC”) to report recommendations to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement the modern policing degree program on, or by, June 1, 2023, and requires the recommendations to include certain elements. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd. (a).)
10. Requires POST to approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers within two years from the submission of the report to the Legislature. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd. (c).)
11. Requires POST to adopt rules establishing minimum standards relating to the recruitment, training and fitness of state and local law enforcement officers. (Pen. Code, §§ 13510 & 13510.5.)

This bill:

1. Provides that commencing January 1, 2031, each state officer and employee designated as a peace officer, as specified, or any other peace officer employed by an agency that participates in the POST program shall attain one or more of the following degrees, experience or certificates no later than 36 months after receiving the basic certificate by POST:
   1. An associate’s degree from a community college that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
   2. A bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree from a college or university that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
   3. A modern policing degree.
   4. A professional policing certificate.
2. Specifies that the education requirement above does not apply to the following:
   1. An individual with at least eight years of law enforcement experience from another state with separation in good standing.
   2. An individual with at least eight years of military service in the Armed Forces of the United States with an honorable discharge if military service has concluded.
3. Specifies that a person who is either of the following shall attain one or more of the degrees or certificates described above no later than 48 months after receiving their basic certificate:
   1. An individual with experience as a sworn peace officer from another state who served as a peace officer for less than eight years and with a separation in good standing.
   2. An individual with experience serving in the Armed Forces of the United States who served for less than eight years and with an honorable discharge if their military services has concluded
4. Specifies that a modern policing degree shall meet all of the following criteria:
   1. Require at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework from a college or university that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
   2. Award credits for required commission-certified academy course instruction.
   3. Offer courses that include, but are not limited to, the following list of subjects:
      1. Communications
      2. Psychology
      3. Writing
      4. Ethics
      5. Criminal Justice
5. Specifies that a professional policing certificate may be offered by any accredited college or university, and shall meet the following criteria:
   1. Require at least 16 semester units or 24 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework from a college or university that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
   2. Offer courses that include, but are not limited to, the following list of subjects:
      1. Communications
      2. Psychology
      3. Writing
      4. Ethics
      5. Criminal Justice
6. Provides that coursework completed as part of the POST- certified academy shall count toward the modern policing degree and professional policing certificate and may count toward any associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree obtained to comply with this bill.
7. Provides that coursework completed as part of military or law enforcement training that is within the curriculum of a modern policing degree or a professional policing certificate by an individual during prior employment in the military or in law enforcement in another state may count toward a modern policing degree or policing certificate.
8. Provides that coursework completed as part of the commission-certified academy shall not solely satisfy the unit requirement for a professional policing certificate.
9. Provides that the educational requirement therein does not apply to any person who is employed by the Department of State Hospitals or to any person who, as of December 31, 2030, is currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California.
10. Provides that for the purposes of satisfying the peace officer education requirement set forth in Government Code Section 1031, a foreign college or university degree may be evaluated for equivalency by a credential evaluation service holding membership in the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).
11. Deletes the provision of existing law requiring POST to approve and adopt education criteria for peace officers based on the report submitted to the Legislature by the OCC within 2 years of that submission.

Comments

Existing law sets forth several requirements that must be met by individuals seeking to become peace officers in California. With regard to criminal record, no person can become a peace officer who has been convicted of a felony, who has been charged with a felony and judged incompetent, who has been found not guilty by reason of insanity, or who has been adjudged addicted or in danger of becoming addicted to narcotics. Additionally, every prospective peace officer must meet all of the following minimum standards: be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law, be 18 years of age or older, be fingerprinted for purposes of disclosing a criminal record, be of good moral character, as determined by background investigation, and be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

In terms of education, it is worth noting that academic requirements for peace officers vary by jurisdiction and on the type and level of peace officer position. In California, prospective officers are required to have no more than a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) and must complete a certain number of training hours through POST to earn a basic certificate. However, California law enforcement officers are already much more likely to have some college education or an associate degree compared to full-time workers in other occupations, and California has more college-educated officers than all but three states. Though with recent increases in, and public focus on, incidents of excessive force by peace officers, there have been growing efforts to establish higher baseline educational requirements for officers. Studies have shown that officers with education beyond a GED or high school diploma use force less often, use lower levels of force, and receive fewer complaints and disciplinary actions than their non-college educated counterparts.

This bill is the latest legislative effort to establish and clarify minimum educational standards for peace officers. This bill outlines six potential ways for prospective California peace officer to comply with the minimum educational standards recommended in the OCC report, which would be required in addition to the high school diploma/GED requirement in existing law. Specifically, this bill would require, commencing January 1, 2031, a prospective officer to attain one or more of the following degrees, experience or certificates no later than 36 months after receiving their basic certificate from POST: 1) an associate’s degree from a community college; 2) a bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree from an accredited college or university; 3) a modern policing degree, as specified; 4) a “professional policing certificate,” as specified; or 5) have at least eight years of military or out of state law enforcement experience, subject to an honorable discharge (if military service is concluded) or separation in good standing, respectively.

This bill specifies that a modern policing degree must require at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework, and that a professional policing certificate must require at least 16 semester units or 24 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework. Both the modern policing degree and professional policing certificate must offer courses on specified topics, including, but not limited to communications, psychology, writing, ethics and criminal justice. This bill further states that coursework completed as part of the commission certified academy counts toward the modern policing degree and policing certificate, and may count toward any associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Relevant coursework completed as part of military training or as part of prior employment as a police officer in a different state also may count toward the modern policing degree and policing certificate.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:

• Unknown, potentially significant costs (General Fund, local funds) to state and local law enforcement agencies to update hiring policies relating to the minimum qualification for peace officers, and to expand pay or benefits relating to additional educational requirements. Local costs to comply with this measure may be subject to reimbursement by the state if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this bill imposes a state-mandated local program.
• Unknown, potentially significant costs (Proposition 98, General Fund) to the extent that the bill results in an additional students enrolled in community colleges each year. Colleges are also likely to incur unknown potential costs to offer modern policing degree programs, including hiring faculty and curriculum development.

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/29/25)

California Police Chiefs Association (source)

Arcadia Police Officers' Association

Bay Area Council

Brea Police Association

Burbank Police Officers' Association

California Association of Highway Patrolmen

California Association of School Police Chiefs

California Coalition of School Safety Professionals

California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office

California Narcotic Officers' Association

California Reserve Peace Officers Association

California State Sheriffs Association

Claremont Police Officers Association

Corona Police Officers Association

County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

Culver City Police Officers' Association

Fullerton Police Officers' Association

League of California Cities

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Los Angeles School Police Management Association

Los Angeles School Police Officers Association

Murrieta Police Officers' Association

Newport Beach Police Association;

Palos Verdes Police Officers Association

Peace Officers Research Association of California

Placer County Deputy Sheriffs' Association

Pomona Police Officers' Association

Riverside Police Officers Association

Riverside Sheriffs' Association

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/29/25)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 69-0, 5/15/25

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Alanis, Arambula, Bennett, Caloza, Castillo, Jeff Gonzalez, Hart, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Stefani

Prepared by: Alex Barnett / PUB. S. /

9/6/25 10:36:35

**** END ****

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 992

Author: Irwin (D)

Amended: 8/29/25 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: 6-0, 6/24/25

AYES: Arreguín, Seyarto, Caballero, Gonzalez, Pérez, Wiener

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/29/25

AYES: Caballero, Seyarto, Cabaldon, Dahle, Grayson, Richardson, Wahab

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 69-0, 5/15/25 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Peace officers

SOURCE: California Police Chiefs Association

DIGEST:

This bill, commencing January 1, 2031, requires a peace officer to obtain either an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, modern policing degree, professional policing certificate, or otherwise have specified military or out-of-state law enforcement experience, within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), as specified.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes POST to set minimum standards for the recruitment and training of peace officers, develop training courses and curriculum, and establish a professional certificate program that awards different levels of certification based on training, education, experience, and other relevant prerequisites. (Penal Code (Pen. Code), §§ 830-832.10; 13500 et seq.)
2. Establishes the powers of POST, including among others, to develop and implement programs to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement, to secure the cooperation of state-level peace officers, agencies, and bodies having jurisdiction over systems of public higher education in continuing the development of college-level training and education programs. (Pen. Code, §§ 830-832.10; 13500 et seq.)
3. Requires every peace officer in the state to satisfactorily complete an introductory training course prescribed by POST. (Pen. Code, § 832, subd. (a).)
4. Provides that each class of public officers or employees declared by law to be peace officers shall meet specified minimum standards, including that they be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development Test or other high school equivalency test, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university, as specified. (Gov. Code, § 1031.)
5. Specifies that it shall not be construed to preclude the adoption of additional or higher standards. (Gov. Code, § 1031, subd. (g).)
6. Requires any person designated as a peace officer, notwithstanding designated exceptions, or any peace officer employed by an agency that participates in a POST program must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. (Gov. Code, § 1031.4, subd. (a).)
7. Provides that any person, who as of December 31, 2021, is currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California is not subject to the age requirement of 21 years of age. (Gov. Code, § 1031.4, subd. (b).)
8. Requires representatives from POST, stakeholders from law enforcement, the California State University, and community organizations to serve as advisors to the Office of the Chancellor of the Community Colleges to develop a modern policing degree program. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd. (a).)
9. Requires the Office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges (hereinafter, “OCC”) to report recommendations to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement the modern policing degree program on, or by, June 1, 2023, and requires the recommendations to include certain elements. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd. (a).)
10. Requires POST to approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers within two years from the submission of the report to the Legislature. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd. (c).)
11. Requires POST to adopt rules establishing minimum standards relating to the recruitment, training and fitness of state and local law enforcement officers. (Pen. Code, §§ 13510 & 13510.5.)

This bill:

1. Provides that commencing January 1, 2031, each state officer and employee designated as a peace officer, as specified, or any other peace officer employed by an agency that participates in the POST program shall attain one or more of the following degrees, experience or certificates within 36 months of receiving the basic certificate by POST:
   1. An associate’s degree from a community college that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
   2. A bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree from a college or university that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
   3. A modern policing degree.
   4. A professional policing certificate.
2. Specifies that the education requirement above does not apply to the following:
   1. An individual with at least four years of law enforcement experience from another state with separation in good standing.
   2. An individual with at least four years of military service in the Armed Forces of the United States with an honorable discharge if military service has concluded.
3. Specifies that a modern policing degree shall meet all of the following criteria:
   1. Require at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework from a college or university that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
   2. Award credits for required commission-certified academy course instruction.
   3. Offer courses that include, but are not limited to, the following list of subjects:
      1. Communications
      2. Psychology
      3. Writing
      4. Ethics
      5. Criminal Justice
4. Specifies that a professional policing certificate may be offered by any accredited college or university, and shall meet the following criteria:
   1. Require at least 16 semester units or 24 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework from a college or university that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
   2. Offer courses that include, but are not limited to, the following list of subjects:
      1. Communications
      2. Psychology
      3. Writing
      4. Ethics
      5. Criminal Justice
5. Provides that coursework completed as part of the POST-certified academy shall count toward the modern policing degree and professional policing certificate and may count toward any associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree obtained to comply with this bill.
6. Provides that coursework completed as part of military or law enforcement training that is within the curriculum of a modern policing degree or a professional policing certificate by an individual during prior employment in the military or in law enforcement in another state may count toward a modern policing degree or policing certificate.
7. Provides that coursework completed as part of the commission-certified academy shall not solely satisfy the unit requirement for a professional policing certificate.
8. Provides that the educational requirement therein does not apply to any person who is employed by the Department of State Hospitals or to any person who, as of December 31, 2030, is currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California.
9. Deletes the provision of existing law requiring POST to approve and adopt education criteria for peace officers based on the report submitted to the Legislature by the OCC within 2 years of that submission.

Comments

Existing law sets forth several requirements that must be met by individuals seeking to become peace officers in California. With regard to criminal record, no person can become a peace officer who has been convicted of a felony, who has been charged with a felony and judged incompetent, who has been found not guilty by reason of insanity, or who has been adjudged addicted or in danger of becoming addicted to narcotics. Additionally, every prospective peace officer must meet all of the following minimum standards: be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law, be 18 years of age or older, be fingerprinted for purposes of disclosing a criminal record, be of good moral character, as determined by background investigation, and be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.

In terms of education, it is worth noting that academic requirements for peace officers vary by jurisdiction and on the type and level of peace officer position. In California, prospective officers are required to have no more than a high school diploma or GED and must complete a certain number of training hours through POST to earn a basic certificate. However, California law enforcement officers are already much more likely to have some college education or an associate degree compared to full-time workers in other occupations, and California has more college-educated officers than all but three states. Though with recent increases in, and public focus on, incidents of excessive force by peace officers, there have been growing efforts to establish higher baseline educational requirements for officers. Studies have shown that officers with education beyond a GED or high school diploma use force less often, use lower levels of force, and receive fewer complaints and disciplinary actions than their non-college educated counterparts.

This bill is the latest legislative effort to establish and clarify minimum educational standards for peace officers. This bill outlines six potential ways for prospective California peace officer to comply with the minimum educational standards recommended in the OCC report, which would be required in addition to the high school diploma/GED requirement in existing law. Specifically, this bill would require, commencing January 1, 2031, a prospective officer to attain one or more of the following degrees, experience or certificates within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate from POST: 1) an associate’s degree from a community college; 2) a bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree from an accredited college or university; 3) a modern policing degree, as specified; 4) a “professional policing certificate,” as specified; or 5) have at least four years of military or out of state law enforcement experience, subject to an honorable discharge (if military service is concluded) or separation in good standing, respectively.

This bill specifies that a modern policing degree must require at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework, and that a professional policing certificate must require at least 16 semester units or 24 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework. Both the modern policing degree and professional policing certificate must offer courses on specified topics, including, but not limited to communications, psychology, writing, ethics and criminal justice. This bill further states that coursework completed as part of the commission certified academy counts toward the modern policing degree and policing certificate, and may count toward any associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Relevant coursework completed as part of military training or as part of prior employment as a police officer in a different state also may count toward the modern policing degree and policing certificate.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee:

• Unknown, potentially significant costs (General Fund, local funds) to state and local law enforcement agencies to update hiring policies relating to the minimum qualification for peace officers, and to expand pay or benefits relating to additional educational requirements. Local costs to comply with this measure may be subject to reimbursement by the state if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this bill imposes a state-mandated local program.
• Unknown, potentially significant costs (Proposition 98, General Fund) to the extent that the bill results in an additional students enrolled in community colleges each year. Colleges are also likely to incur unknown potential costs to offer modern policing degree programs, including hiring faculty and curriculum development.

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/29/25)

California Police Chiefs Association (source)

Arcadia Police Officers' Association

Bay Area Council

Brea Police Association

Burbank Police Officers' Association

California Association of Highway Patrolmen

California Association of School Police Chiefs

California Coalition of School Safety Professionals

California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office

California Narcotic Officers' Association

California Reserve Peace Officers Association

California State Sheriffs Association

Claremont Police Officers Association

Corona Police Officers Association

County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors

Culver City Police Officers' Association

Fullerton Police Officers' Association

League of California Cities

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Los Angeles School Police Management Association

Los Angeles School Police Officers Association

Murrieta Police Officers' Association

Newport Beach Police Association;

Palos Verdes Police Officers Association

Peace Officers Research Association of California

Placer County Deputy Sheriffs' Association

Pomona Police Officers' Association

Riverside Police Officers Association

Riverside Sheriffs' Association

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/29/25)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 69-0, 5/15/25

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Carrillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Alanis, Arambula, Bennett, Caloza, Castillo, Jeff Gonzalez, Hart, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Stefani

Prepared by: Alex Barnett / PUB. S. /

9/2/25 18:08:47

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Anna Caballero, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular Session

AB 992 (Irwin) - Peace officers

Bill Summary:

Requires peace officers to obtain either an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, modern policing degree, professional policing certificate.

*********** ANALYSIS ADDENDUM – SUSPENSE FILE ***********

The following information is revised to reflect amendments

adopted by the committee on August 29, 2025

Fiscal Impact:

• Unknown, potentially significant costs (General Fund, local funds) to state and local law enforcement agencies to update hiring policies relating to the minimum qualification for peace officers, and to expand pay or benefits relating to additional educational requirements. Local costs to comply with this measure may be subject to reimbursement by the state if the Commission on State Mandates determines that this bill imposes a state-mandated local program.
• Unknown, potentially significant costs (Proposition 98, General Fund) to the extent that the bill results in an additional students enrolled in community colleges each year. Colleges are also likely to incur unknown potential costs to offer modern policing degree programs, including hiring faculty and curriculum development.

Committee Amendments:

Strike provisions that establish the Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY

Senator Jesse Arreguín, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular

Bill No: AB 992 Hearing Date: June 24, 2025

Subject: Peace officers

HISTORY

Source: California Police Chiefs Association

Prior Legislation: SB 1122 (Seyarto), died in Assembly, 2024

AB 458 (Jones-Sawyer), as introduced (later amended to include

unrelated contents), 2023

AB 2229 (L. Rivas), Ch. 959, Stats. of 2022

AB 655 (Kalra), Ch. 854, Stats. of 2022

SB 960 (Skinner), Ch. 825, Stats. of 2022

AB 89 (Jones-Sawyer), Ch. 405, Stats. of 2021

AB 846 (Burke), Ch. 322, Stats. of 2020

Support: Arcadia Police Officers' Association; Brea Police Association; Burbank Police Officers' Association; California Association of Highway Patrolmen; California Association of School Police Chiefs; California Coalition of School Safety Professionals; California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office; California Narcotic Officers' Association; California Reserve Peace Officers Association; California State Sheriffs Association; Claremont Police Officers Association; Corona Police Officers Association; Culver City Police Officers' Association; Fullerton Police Officers' Association; League of California Cities; Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Los Angeles School Police Management Association; Los Angeles School Police Officers Association; Murrieta Police Officers' Association; Newport Beach Police Association; Palos Verdes Police Officers Association; Peace Officers Research Association of California; Placer County Deputy Sheriffs' Association; Pomona Police Officers' Association; Riverside Police Officers Association; Riverside Sheriffs' Association

Opposition: None known

Assembly Floor Vote: 69 - 0

PURPOSE

The purpose of this bill is to, commencing January 1, 2031, require a peace officer to obtain either an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, modern policing degree, professional policing certificate, or otherwise have specified military or out-of-state law enforcement experience, within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), as specified, and to create the Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force, as specified.

Existing law establishes POST to set minimum standards for the recruitment and training of peace officers, develop training courses and curriculum, and establish a professional certificate program that awards different levels of certification based on training, education, experience, and other relevant prerequisites. (Pen. Code, §§ 830-832.10; 13500 et seq.)

Existing law establishes the powers of POST, including among others, to develop and implement programs to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement, to secure the cooperation of state-level peace officers, agencies, and bodies having jurisdiction over systems of public higher education in continuing the development of college-level training and education programs. (Pen. Code, §§ 830-832.10; 13500 et seq.)

Existing law requires every peace officer in the state to satisfactorily complete an introductory training course prescribed by POST. (Pen. Code, § 832, subd. (a).)

Existing law provides that each class of public officers or employees declared by law to be peace officers shall meet specified minimum standards, including that they be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development Test or other high school equivalency test, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university, as specified. (Gov. Code, § 1031.)

Existing law specifies that it shall not be construed to preclude the adoption of additional or higher standards. (Gov. Code, § 1031, subd. (g).)

Existing law requires any person designated as a peace officer, notwithstanding designated exceptions, or any peace officer employed by an agency that participates in a POST program must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. (Gov. Code, § 1031.4, subd. (a).)

Existing law provides that any person, who as of December 31, 2021, is currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California is not subject to the age requirement of 21 years of age. (Gov. Code, § 1031.4, subd. (b).)

Existing law requires representatives from POST, stakeholders from law enforcement, the California State University, and community organizations to serve as advisors to the Office of the Chancellor of the Community Colleges to develop a modern policing degree program. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd. (a).)

Existing law requires the Office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges (hereinafter, “OCC”) to report recommendations to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement the modern policing degree program on, or by, June 1, 2023. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd. (a).)

Existing law requires the report above to include the following:

• Focus on courses pertinent on law enforcement including, but not limited to, psychology, communications, history, ethnic studies, law, and courses determined to develop necessary critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence;
  
• Allowances for prior law enforcement experience, appropriate work experience, postsecondary education experience, or military experience;
  
• Both the modern policing degree program and bachelor’s degree program in the discipline of their choosing as minimum education requirements for employment as a peace officer;
• Recommendations to adopt financial assistance for students of historically underserved and disadvantaged communities with barriers to higher education access to fulfill the minimum requirements to be adopted for employment as a peace officer. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd. (a)(1)-(4).)

Existing law requires POST to approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers within two years from the submission of the report to the Legislature. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd. (c).)

Existing law requires POST to adopt rules establishing minimum standards relating to the recruitment, training and fitness of state and local law enforcement officers. (Pen. Code, §§ 13510 & 13510.5.)

This bill provides that commencing January 1, 2031, each state officer and employee designated as a peace officer, as specified, or any other peace officer employed by an agency that participates in the POST program shall attain one or more of the following degrees, experience or certificates within 36 months of receiving the basic certificate by POST:

• An associate’s degree from a community college that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
• A bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree from a college or university that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
• At least two years of military experience in good standing, with an honorable discharge if military service has concluded.
• At least two years of law enforcement experience from another state, with separation in good standing.
• A modern policing degree
• A professional policing certificate

This bill specifies that a modern policing degree shall meet all of the following criteria:

• Require at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework from a college or university that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
• Award credits for required commission-certified academy course instruction.
• Offer courses that include, but are not limited to, the following list of subjects:
  • Communications
  • Psychology
  • Writing
  • Ethics
  • Criminal Justice

This bill specifies that a professional policing certificate may be offered by any accredited college or university, and shall meet the following criteria:

• Require at least 16 semester units or 24 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework from a college or university that is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
• Offer courses that include, but are not limited to, the following list of subjects:
  • Communications
  • Psychology
  • Writing
  • Ethics
  • Criminal Justice

This bill provides that coursework completed as part of the POST-certified academy shall count toward the modern policing degree and professional policing certificate and may count toward any associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree obtained to comply with this bill.

This bill specifies that coursework completed as part of the POST-certified academy shall not count toward the entirety of the units required for a professional policing certificate.

This bill provides that the educational requirement therein does not apply to any person who, as of December 31, 2030, is currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California.

This bill deletes the provision of existing law requiring POST to approve and adopt education criteria for peace officers based on the report submitted to the Legislature by the OCC within 2 years of that submission.

This bill creates the Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force with the goal of identifying and recruiting candidates for law enforcement agencies.

This bill provides that the task force shall be comprised of management and rank and file representatives from county sheriff departments, municipal police agencies, the California Highway Patrol, and other law enforcement agencies.

COMMENTS

1. Need for This Bill

According to the Author:

Public safety is core to Californians’ quality of life, so ensuring we have peace officers who have completed thorough preparation is of critical importance. The Legislature must act on our prior direction to the law enforcement and higher education community by putting into statute several pathways for peace officers to demonstrate their preparation, so that we all can realize the benefits of a modern police force throughout California.

1. Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Issues

In recent years, law enforcement agencies around the country have experienced mounting challenges related to the recruitment and retention of sworn personnel. A survey conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum in June 2021 found that the departments surveyed were, on average, filling only 93% of the authorized number of positions available.^[1] While this may not seem striking at first glance, this number belies the fact that many larger departments are seeing dramatic drops in staffing. In Seattle, a record 180 officers left the police department in 2020, and another 170 departed in 2021, putting the agency at its lowest relative staffing level in history.^[2] In Minneapolis, a severe shortage of officers recently meant that on-duty officers are able to do little else besides respond to 911 calls.^[3] According to another recent survey conduct by the International Association of Chief of Police, 78% of respondent agencies reported having difficulty in recruiting qualified candidates, and 25% reported having to reduce or eliminate certain agency services, units or positions because of staffing difficulties.^[4] According to a 2024 survey of 1,158 agencies nationwide, 70% of respondents reported that recruitment is more difficult now (at the time of the survey) than it was 5 years prior.^[5]

California has not been immune from officer recruitment and retention challenges. Between September 2021 and February 2022, San Diego lost over 100 officers, with 2022 being the first year the city expects to see retirements and departures outpace new hires.^[6] Similarly, as of August 2021, the Los Angeles Police Department had 296 empty officer positions and almost 500 fewer officers on duty than it did the previous year, and as of November 2021, San Francisco was short 533 officers relative to full staffing levels.^[7] According to a recent study conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California, between 2020 and 2021, the state lost 2,100 sworn staff and about 1,100 civil staff, and the number of sworn officers per 100,000 residents is the lowest since 1995.^[8]

While some argue that much of the shortfall is a direct result of vaccine mandates for public employees related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the scope and duration of the shortage suggests that larger structural forces are at play. For instance, departments staffed by a higher proportion of baby boomers are seeing a wave of retirements, at a time when the attitude of millennials and “gen-Xers” toward police are changing. In addition, increased awareness of police misconduct, especially in low-income areas and communities of color, has sown greater mistrust of police in these communities, making it more difficult for agencies to draw local applicants. Economically, low unemployment rates and a strong job market mean that prospective applicants have multiple options when seeking employment, many of which involve less rigorous entrance requirements.^[9]

To address the staffing shortfall, law enforcement agencies have pursued a variety of potential solutions, such as increasing pay and benefits, scaling back job requirements, and hiring more non-sworn support staff. Some states, including California, have sought to address the problem and expand the applicant pool by removing or modifying officer citizenship requirements or raising the maximum age for eligibility.^[10]

1. Existing Prerequisites for Employment as a Peace Officer in California and Academic Requirements Generally

Existing law sets forth several requirements that must be met by individuals seeking to become peace officers in California. With regard to criminal record, no person can become a peace officer who has been convicted of a felony, who has been charged with a felony and judged incompetent, who has been found not guilty by reason of insanity, or who has been adjudged addicted or in danger of becoming addicted to narcotics.^[11] Additionally, every prospective peace officer must meet all of the following minimum standards: be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law, be 18 years of age or older, be fingerprinted for purposes of disclosing a criminal record, be of good moral character, as determined by background investigation, and be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation, that might adversely affect the exercise of the powers of a peace officer.^[12]

In terms of education, it is worth noting that academic requirements for peace officers vary by jurisdiction and on the type and level of peace officer position. In California, prospective officers are required to have no more than a high school diploma or GED and must complete a certain number of training hours through POST to earn a basic certificate.^[13] However, California law enforcement officers are already much more likely to have some college education or an associate degree compared to full-time workers in other occupations, and California has more college-educated officers than all but three states.^[14] Though with recent increases in, and public focus on, incidents of excessive force by peace officers, there have been growing efforts to establish higher baseline educational requirements for officers. Studies have shown that officers with education beyond a GED or high school diploma use force less often, use lower levels of force, and receive fewer complaints and disciplinary actions than their non-college educated counterparts.^[15]

1. Prior Legislation

In 2021, multiple bills were introduced which would have increased educational requirements for prospective California peace officers. Senate Bill 387 (Portantino) would have required peace officer applicants to complete at least some college courses in order to obtain a basic certificate from POST, but was never taken up on the Senate Floor.^[16] AB 89 (Jones-Sawyer), Chapter 405, Statutes of 2021 as originally introduced would have required prospective peace officers to be at least 25 years of age or, if the prospective officer is under 25, to have a bachelor’s degree. However, that measure was ultimately amended to change the age requirement from 18 to 21 years of age, and to require the OCC to develop a modern policing degree program with POST and other stakeholders. AB 89 also required that stakeholder group to submit a report to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement that program by June 1, 2023. That bill further specified that the OCC’s recommendations must include both the modern policing degree program and bachelor’s degree in the discipline of the work group’s choosing as minimum education requirements for employment as a peace officer. Finally, AB 89 required POST to adopt the education criteria for peace officers within 2 years of the submission of the report to the Legislature by the OCC.

In 2023, AB 458 (Jones-Sawyer), as originally introduced, would have codified that expected recommendation and required prospective officers to obtain a modern policing degree or bachelor’s degree prior to receiving their basic certificate from POST, unless the officer was already employed by a public agency or enrolled in a basic academy.^[17]

In November 2023, the OCC task force released its final report and recommendations as required by AB 89. Of particular relevance here, the OCC task force recommended the inclusion of “both the ‘modern policing degree’ program and bachelor’s degree in the discipline of their choosing as minimum education requirements for employments as a peace officer.”^[18] The report recommended that “the California Community Colleges should develop the Modern Policing Degree with transferability into a baccalaureate degree in mind,” and should “develop a baccalaureate degree in Policing.”^[19] Given the other recommendations regarding minimum educational standards, the OCCC task force likely did not intend to require prospective officers to obtain both an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree.

In response to the OCC report, SB 1122 (Seyarto) of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session, sought to clarify that any requirement for the completion of a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree adopted pursuant to the recommendations of the OCC may be satisfied after the completion of the POST program, and that an individual may complete a bachelor’s or associate’s degree within 36 months of their employment as a peace officer. This bill was passed by both houses of the Legislature but was recalled from Engrossing and Enrolling due to a fatal typographical error. AB 852 (Jones-Sawyer) of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session, similarly would have required a peace to attain a modern policing degree, or a bachelor’s or other advanced degree from an accredited college or university, within 36 months of commencing their employment as a peace officer. AB 852 similarly was passed by both houses of the Legislature but was never sent to the Governor.

1. Effect of This Bill

This bill is the latest legislative effort to establish and clarify minimum educational standards for peace officers. This bill outlines six potential ways for prospective California peace officer to comply with the minimum educational standards recommended in the OCC report, which would be required in addition to the high school diploma/GED requirement in existing law. Specifically, this bill would require, commencing January 1, 2031, a prospective officer to attain one or more of the following degrees, experience or certificates within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate from POST: 1) an associate’s degree from a community college; 2) a bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree from an accredited college or university; 3) a modern policing degree, as specified; 4) a “professional policing certificate,” as specified; or 5) have at least two years of military or out of state law enforcement experience, subject to an honorable discharge (if military service is concluded) or separation in good standing, respectively.

Although AB 89 did provide that the OCCs recommendations must include allowances for prior law enforcement or military experience to satisfy a portion of employment eligibility requirements, the Committee may wish to consider whether 2 years or military or out-of-state law enforcement experience is adequate to prepare someone for employment as a peace officer in California, especially given the bill’s other education requirements. The Author and Committee may wish to consider requiring individuals who obtain employment as California peace officers after gaining the prerequisite military or out-of-state law enforcement experience to complete a policing certificate within 2 years of becoming a California peace officer.

The bill specifies that a modern policing degree must require at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework, and that a professional policing certificate must require at least 16 semester units or 24 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework. Both the modern policing degree and professional policing certificate must offer courses on specified topics, including, but not limited to communications, psychology, writing, ethics and criminal justice. The bill further states that coursework completed as part of the commission certified academy counts toward the modern policing degree and policing certificate, and may count toward any associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. The bill also includes a provision providing that “coursework completed as part of the [POST]-certified academy shall not count toward the entirety of units required for a professional policing certificate.” This provision was clearly intended to prevent a policing certificate from being obtained solely by applying academy coursework to the unit requirement, but may be misinterpreted to mean that academy coursework cannot be used at all toward the units required for a policing certificate. The Author and Committee may wish to clarify this.

Another provision of the bill strikes a provision of existing law enacted by AB 89 requiring POST to approve and adopt education criteria for peace officers based on the OCC recommendations within 2 years of the submission of the OCC report to the Legislature. The import of this provision will be discussed further in comment 6.

Finally, the bill establishes the Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force, with the goal of identifying and recruiting candidates for law enforcement agencies, and comprised of management and rank and file representative from county sheriff departments, municipal police agencies, the California Highway Patrol, and other law enforcement organizations. However, the bill contains no further information regarding the task force, such as how many members it has, how often it meets, how members are appointed and for what term, and what, if anything, it should be responsible for producing. The Author and Committee may wish to prescribe some of these elements and potentially allow the Governor, the Senate and the Assembly to appoint certain members.

1. Related Legislation

SB 385 (Seyarto), an urgency measure, strikes a provision of existing law enacted by AB 89 requiring POST to approve and adopt education criteria for peace officers based on the OCC recommendations within 2 years of the submission of the OCC report to the Legislature. As mentioned above, this bill makes an identical change. If SB 385 is enacted prior to this bill and thus immediately removes the provision regarding POST’s adoption of educational criteria from existing law, this bill will need to be amended to remove that provision so as not to modify an out-of-date statute.

1. Argument in Support

According to the Peace Officers Research Association of California:

AB 992 builds upon the work of a legislatively directed working group that, in 2023, provided recommendations for creating a modern policing degree. Rather than relying on a single path, this bill expands the approach by offering multiple higher education options that reflect the diverse experiences and strengths of future law enforcement professionals. These include associate’s degrees, professional certificates, prior military service, and other relevant credentials.

AB 992 refines the previous framework by allowing greater flexibility in how education requirements can be met, rather than requiring a specific degree program to be approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). This change creates a more realistic and adaptable structure for officer education and recruitment. The bill also establishes a statewide task force to support recruitment efforts and encourage broader access to law enforcement careers across California’s communities. PORAC believes AB 992 is a thoughtful and balanced approach that supports the continued advancement of our profession, while keeping pathways to service open and attainable for individuals from all backgrounds. Providing officers with strong educational foundations—without imposing unnecessary barriers—will help strengthen both public safety and community trust. Again, PORAC strongly supports AB 992.

-- END –

1. “Survey on Police Workforce Trends.” Police Executive Research Forum Special Report. 11 June 2021. https://www.policeforum.org/workforcesurveyjune2021 ; See also The Workforce Crisis, and What Police Agencies are Doing About it. Police Research Executive Forum. September 2019. WorkforceCrisis.pdf ↑

2. Ibid. ↑

3. Ibid. ↑

4. “The State of Recruitment: A Crisis for Law Enforcement.” International Association of Police Chiefs. https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/239416_IACP_RecruitmentBR_HR_0.pdf ↑

5. “A State of Recruitment and Retention: A Continuing Crisis for Policing. 2024 Survey Results. International Association of Police Chiefs. 2024Recruitment&RetentionSurveyResults.pdf ↑

6. “San Diego facing new police officer vacancy crisis blamed partly on vaccine mandate.” The San Diego Union-Tribune. 3 February 2022. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2022-02-03/san-diego-facing-new-police-officer-vacancy-crisis-blamed-partly-on-vaccine-mandate ↑

7. “LAPD is short about 300 officers but the chief hopes to fill the gap.” Los Angeles Daily News. 20 August 2021. https://www.dailynews.com/2021/08/20/lapd-is-short-about-300-officers-but-the-chief-plans-to-fill-the-gap/ ; “SFPD could be short 533 officers amid staffing strains from the vaccine mandate.” ABC 7 News. 1 November 2021. https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-vaccine-mandate-sfpd-sf-city-workers-on-leave/11188916/ ↑

8. “Law Enforcement Staffing in California.” PPIC. February 2023. https://www.ppic.org/publication/law-enforcement-staffing-in-california/ ↑

9. For a more comprehensive analysis, see Wilson, Jeremy, et al. “Police Recruitment and Retention for the New Millennium.” RAND Corporation. 2010. https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2010/RAND_MG959.pdf ↑

10. See SB 960 (Skinner, Ch. 825, Stats. of 2022), and AB 1435 (Lackey, 2023), vetoed by the Governor. ↑

11. Gov. Code, § 1029, subd. (a).) ↑

12. Gov. Code, § 1031, subds. (a)–(f).) ↑

13. Gov. Code, § 1031, subd. (e); Pen. Code, § 832. ↑

14. “New Law Raises Standards for Police Officers.” Public Police Institute of California. 26 January 2022. New Law Raises Standards for Police Officers - Public Policy Institute of California (ppic.org) ; “Mandate Higher Education for California Police Officers.” Calmatters. 26 March 2021. Mandate higher education for California police officers - CalMatters ↑

15. Ibid; Rydberg, Jason et. al. “The Effect of Higher Education on Police Behavior.” Police Quarterly: Volume 13, Issue 1. 10 January 2010. The Effect of Higher Education on Police Behavior - Jason Rydberg, William Terrill, 2010 (sagepub.com) ; Mcelvain, James and Augustine Kposowa. “Police Officer Characteristics and the Likelihood of Using Deadly Force.” Criminal Justice and Behavior: Vol. 35, No 4. https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/crmjusbhv35&id=486&collection=journals&index= ↑

16. The police-related contents of SB 387 were ultimately removed and new language was inserted related to pupil health. ↑

17. After being heard in this committee, AB 458 was amended to remove its contents entirely and replace them with a bill outside this committee’s jurisdiction. ↑

18. “California Assembly Bill 89 Modern Policing Degree Task Force Report and Recommendations.” California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Published 6 November 2023. California Assembly Bill 89 Modern Policing Degree Task Force Report and Recommendations (cccco.edu). See pp. 8-9. ↑

19. Id. at p. 9. ↑

Date of Hearing: May 7, 2025

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Buffy Wicks, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 992

Author:(Irwin) – As Amended Ver:April 28, 2025

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill specifies the higher education achievements or professional experiences a peace officer must obtain within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Specifically, among other provisions, this bill:

1. Requires, commencing January 1, 2031, each qualifying peace officer, as defined in the bill, to attain at least one of the following within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate from POST:
   1. An associate’s degree from an accredited community college.
   2. A bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree from an accredited college or university.
   3. A modern policing degree.
   4. A professional policing certificate.
   5. At least two years of military experience in good standing, with an honorable discharge if military service has concluded.
   6. At least two years of law enforcement experience from another state, with separation in good standing.
2. Provides that coursework completed as part of the POST-certified academy shall count toward the modern policing degree and professional policing certificate, and may count toward any associate degree or bachelor’s degree.
3. Exempts from the above requirements any person who is enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer in California as of December 31, 2030.
4. Removes the requirement that POST approve and adopt education criteria for peace officers.
5. Establishes the Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force (Task Force), with the goal of identifying and recruiting candidates for law enforcement agencies.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Possible costs (General Fund, local funds) of an unknown amount to California Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies (LEAs) that participate in the Task Force. As described below, the bill does not include much detail about what Task Force participants must do, so the amount of additional workload to participants is unknown. The bill does not require participation by any particular local LEAs, so local costs are likely not reimbursable from the General Fund.

COMMENTS:

In 2021, the Legislature enacted AB 89 (Jones-Sawyer), Chapter 405, Statutes of 2021, which established minimum age and education requirements for a California peace officer, and required the office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges (Chancellor’s Office) to develop a modern policing degree program. AB 89 also required the Chancellor’s Office and other stakeholders to submit recommendations to the Legislature for implementation of the modern policing program, and required POST to approve and adopt education criteria for peace officers based on the Chancellor’s Office’s recommendations. As described in the analysis of this bill by the Assembly Committee on Public Safety, the Chancellor’s Office issued recommendations in November 2023, and the Legislature passed two bills seeking to implement the recommendations in the 2023-2024 session. For various reasons, neither of the bills were sent to the Governor.

Analysis Prepared by: Annika Carlson / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 22, 2025

Counsel: Ilan Zur

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON

Nick Schultz, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:

Author:() – As Ver:

As Proposed to be Amended in Committee

SUMMARY:

1. Requires a peace officer to obtain either an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, modern policing degree, professional policing certificate, or otherwise have specified military or out-of-state law enforcement experience, within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Specifically, this bill:
2. Requires, commencing January 1, 2031, each state officer and employee designated as a peace officer, as specified, or any other peace officer employed by an agency that participates in the POST program to attain one or more of the following degrees, experiences, or certificates, within 36 months of receiving their basic certificate by POST:
   1. An associate’s degree from a community college, accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
   2. A bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education
   3. A modern policing degree, which shall meet all of the following criteria:
      1. Require at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework, from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
      2. Award credits for required commission-certified academy course instruction.
      3. Offer courses that include, but are not limited to, the following list of subjects: Communications, Psychology, Writing, Ethics, and Criminal Justice.
   4. A professional policing certificate, which may be offered by any accredited college or university, and shall meet all of the following criteria:
      1. Require at least 16 or more semester units or 24 or more quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework, from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
      2. Offer courses that include, but are not limited to, the following list of subjects: Communications, Psychology, Writing, Ethics, and Criminal Justice.
   5. At least two years of military experience in good standing, with an honorable discharge if military service has concluded.
   6. At least two years of law enforcement experience from another state, with separation in good standing.
3. Authorizes coursework completed as part of the commission-certified academy to count towards the modern policing degree and professional policing certificate and may count toward any associate degree or bachelor’s degree. Coursework completed as part of the commission-certified academy cannot count towards the entirety of the units required for a professional policing certificate.
4. Exempts from the above requirements any person who, as of December 31, 2030, is currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California.
5. Removes the requirement that POST approve and adopt education criteria for peace officers, based on, and within two years of, the office of the Chancellor of the Community Colleges (OCCC) submitting a report to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement a modern policing degree program.
6. Establishes the Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force, with the goal of identifying and recruiting candidates for law enforcement agencies, which shall be comprised of management and rank and file representatives from county sheriff departments, municipal police agencies, the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and other law enforcement organizations.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes POST to set minimum standards for the recruitment and training of peace officers, develop training courses and curriculum, and establish a professional certificate program that awards different levels of certification based on training, education, experience, and other relevant prerequisites. (Pen. Code, §§ 830-832.10; 13500 et seq.)
2. Establishes the powers of POST, including among others, to develop and implement programs to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement, to secure the cooperation of state-level peace officers, agencies, and bodies having jurisdiction over systems of public higher education in continuing the development of college-level training and education programs. (Pen. Code, §§ 830-832.10; 13500 et seq.)
3. Requires every peace officer in the state to satisfactorily complete an introductory training course prescribed by POST. (Pen. Code, § 832, subd. (a).)
4. Provides that each class of public officers or employees declared by law to be peace officers shall meet specified minimum standards, including that they be a high school graduate, pass the General Education Development Test or other high school equivalency test, or have attained a two-year, four-year, or advanced degree from an accredited college or university, as specified. (Gov. Code, § 1031.)
5. Specifies that the above paragraph shall not be construed to preclude the adoption of additional or higher standards. (Gov. Code, § 1031, subd. (g).)
6. Requires any person designated as a peace officer, notwithstanding designated exceptions, or any peace officer employed by an agency that participates in a POST program to be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. (Gov. Code, § 1031.4, subd. (a).)
7. Provides that any person, who as of December 31, 2021, is currently enrolled in a basic academy or is employed as a peace officer by a public entity in California is not subject to the age requirement of 21 years of age. (Gov. Code, § 1031.4, subd. (b).)
8. Requires representatives from POST, stakeholders from law enforcement, the California State University, and community organizations to serve as advisors to the OCCC to develop a modern policing degree program. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd (a).)
9. Requires the OCCC to report recommendations to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement the modern policing degree program on, or by, June 1, 2023. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd (a).)
10. Requires the recommendations in the OCCC report to meet the following:
    1. Focus on courses pertinent on law enforcement including, but not limited to, psychology, communications, history, ethnic studies, law, and those determined to develop necessary critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence.
    2. Allowances for prior law enforcement experience, appropriate work experience, postsecondary education experience, or military experience to satisfy a portion of the employment eligibility requirements.
    3. Include both the modern policing degree program and bachelor’s degree program in the discipline of their choosing as minimum education requirements for employment as a peace officer.
    4. Include recommendations to adopt financial assistance for students of historically underserved and disadvantaged communities with barriers to higher education access to fulfill the minimum requirements to be adopted for employment as a peace officer. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd (a)(1)-(4).)
11. Requires POST to approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers, based on the recommendations in OCCC report, within two years from the submission of the report to the Legislature and in consultation with specified stakeholders. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd (c).)
12. Requires POST to adopt rules establishing minimum standards relating to the recruitment, training and fitness of state and local law enforcement officers. (Pen. Code, §§ 13510 & 13510.5.)

FISCAL EFFECT:

Unknown

COMMENTS:

1. Author's Statement: According to the author, "“Public safety is core to Californians’ quality of life, so ensuring we have peace officers who have completed thorough preparation is of critical importance. The Legislature must act on our prior direction to the law enforcement and higher education community by putting into statute several pathways for peace officers to demonstrate their preparation, so that we all can realize the benefits of a modern police force throughout California.”
2. Law Enforcement Hiring and Staffing: In the past several years, law enforcement agencies have struggled to recruit and retain sworn personnel. A survey conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum in June 2021 found that the departments surveyed were, on average, filling only 93% of the authorized number of positions available.^[1] California has not been immune from officer recruitment and retention challenges. Between September 2021 and February 2022, San Diego lost over 100 officers, and in 2022 the city expected retirements and departures to outpace new hires.^[2] Similarly, as of August 2021, the Los Angeles Police Department had 296 empty officer positions and almost 500 fewer officers on duty than it did the previous year; and as of November 2021, San Francisco was short 533 officers relative to full staffing levels.^[3] According to a study conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California, between 2020 and 2022, the state lost 3,563 sworn and 1,240 civilian staff, and staffing levels are down by 3.2% compared to 2020.^[4] In 2021, the number of officers per 100,000 residents was the lowest since 1995.^[5] Staffing levels increased in 2023, but still remain lower than in 2020.^[6]

To address the staffing shortfall, law enforcement agencies have pursued a variety of potential solutions, such as increasing pay and benefits, scaling back job requirements, and hiring more non-sworn support staff. Some states, including California, have sought to address the problem and expand the applicant pool by removing or modifying officer citizenship requirements or raising the maximum age for eligibility.^[7]

1. Academic Requirements for Law Enforcement: Law enforcement education requirements vary by jurisdiction and depending on the type and level of peace officer position. In California, prospective officers are required to have no more than a high school diploma or GED and complete a certain number of training hours through POST. (Gov. Code, § 1031; Pen. Code, § 832, subd. (a).) California law enforcement officers are already more likely to have some college education or an associate degree compared to full-time workers in other occupations, and California has more college-educated officers than all but three states.^[8] Increased focus on incidents of excessive force by peace officers have led to growing efforts to establish higher baseline educational requirements for officers. Research suggests that attaining college education significantly reduces the likelihood of force occurring, that officers with a college degree may be less likely to discharge their firearms, and that better educated officers may use force less often.^[9]

In 2021, multiple bills were introduced which would have increased educational requirements for prospective California peace officers. Ultimately, AB 89 (Jones-Sawyer), Chapter 405, Statutes of 2021, was enacted, which required prospective peace officers to be at least 21 years of age, and to require the OCCC to develop a modern policing degree program with POST and other stakeholders. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd (a).) AB 89 also required that stakeholder group to submit a report to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement that program by June 1, 2023. (Ibid.) That bill further specified that the OCCC’s recommendations must include both the modern policing degree program and bachelor’s degree in the discipline of the work group’s choosing as minimum education requirements for employment as a peace officer. (Ibid.) Finally, AB 89 required POST to approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers, based on the recommendations in the report, within two years from the submission of the report to the Legislature. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd (c).)

In early 2023, AB 458 (Jones-Sawyer), Chapter 440, Statutes of 2023, as originally introduced, would have codified that expected recommendation and required prospective officers, by January 1, 2028, to obtain either a modern policing degree or bachelor’s degree prior to receiving their basic certificate from POST, unless the officer was already employed by a public agency or enrolled in a basic academy. AB 458 was later amended into a bill unrelated to peace officer education requirements.

In November 2023, the OCCC task force released its final report and recommendations.^[10] As part of this broader recommendation, the OCCC task force proposed a modern policing degree as either an Associate of Arts or Associate of Sciences in Policing to be completed prior to obtaining a POST basic certificate or within 24 months of initial appointment as a peace officer.^[11] Notably, the OCCC task force recommended the inclusion of “both the modern policing degree program and bachelor’s degree in the discipline of their choosing as minimum education requirements for employments as a peace officer.”^[12] Further, the report recommended that “the California Community Colleges should develop the Modern Policing Degree with transferability into a baccalaureate degree in mind,” and should “develop a baccalaureate degree in Policing.”^[13] Given the other recommendations regarding minimum educational standards, the OCCC task force likely did not intend to require prospective officers to obtain both an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree.

In response to the OCCC report, SB 1122 (Seyarto) of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session, sought to clarify that any requirement for the completion of a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree adopted pursuant to the recommendations of the OCC may be satisfied after the completion of the POST program, and that an individual may complete a bachelor’s or associate’s degree within 36 months of their employment as a peace officer. This bill was passed by both houses of the Legislature but was recalled from Engrossing and Enrolling due to a fatal typographical error. AB 852 (Jones-Sawyer) of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session, similarly would have required a peace to attain a modern policing degree, or a bachelor’s or other advanced degree from an accredited college or university, within 36 months of commencing their employment as a peace officer. AB 852 similarly was passed by both houses of the Legislature but was never sent to the Governor.

1. Effect of this Bill: This is the latest legislative effort to establish and clarify minimum educational standards for peace officers. This bill outlines six potential ways for prospective California peace officer to comply with the minimum education standards required to be outlined by the OCCC and ultimately adopted by POST, as required by AB 89 (Jones-Sawyer) Chapter 405, Statutes of 2021. This bill would require, beginning January 1, 2031, each state and local peace officer to obtain at least one of the following degrees, certificates, or experiences: 1) an associate’s degree from a community college; 2) a bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree from an accredited college or university; 3) a modern policing degree, as specified; 4) a “professional policing certificate,” as specified; or 5) have at least two years of military or out of state law enforcement experience, subject to an honorable discharge (if military service is concluded) or separation in good standing, respectively. Any coursework completed as part of the commission-certified academy may count towards the modern policing degree, professional policing certificate, or any associate degree or bachelor’s degree.

For the purposes of this bill, a modern policing degree must require at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework, award credits for required commission-certified academy course instruction, and offer courses that may include communications, psychology, writing, ethics, and criminal justice, among others.

A professional policing certificate on the other hand, must require at least 16 or more semester units or 24 or more quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework and offer courses that may include communications, psychology, writing, ethics, and criminal justice, among others.

This outlines numerous ways to comply with the minimum education requirements contemplated by AB 89 (Jones-Sawyer) Chapter 405, Statutes of 2021 – a broader approach than those taken in prior legislative efforts to codify such minimum education standards. In 2023, AB 458 (Jones-Sawyer), Chapter 440, Statutes of 2023, as originally introduced, would have required prospective peace officers to obtain either a modern policing degree or bachelor’s degree. SB 1122, of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session, sought to clarify that a prospective officer could comply with future educational standards by completing a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree.

This broader approach is partially consistent with the original goals of AB 89 (Jones-Sawyer) Chapter 405, Statutes of 2021, as well as the recommendations in the OCCC report submitted to the Legislature in 2023. That said, it establishes avenues to adhere to minimum education requirements that were not previously contemplated by AB 89 or the OCCC report.

AB 89 and the OCCC report both specified that prior law enforcement experience may contribute towards a prospective officer meeting the minimum peace officer education requirements. AB 89 required the OCCC recommendations to include “allowances for prior law enforcement experience, and appropriate work experience, postsecondary education experience, or military experience to satisfy a portion of the employment eligibility requirements.” (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd. (a)(2).) The OCCC report similarly recommends that colleges should work to “develop credit for prior learning experiences” such as military service, police academy experience, and other relevant career experiences.^[14]

This bill goes slightly beyond this recommendation. Instead of permitting prior out-of-state law enforcement experience, or military experience, to satisfy “a portion”^[15] of, or provide “credit” towards, peace officer minimum education requirements, this bill authorizes such prior experiences to serve as a complete substitute for an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or modern policing degree. To better align this bill with the original intent of AB 89 (Jones-Sawyer) Chapter 405, Statutes of 2021, and the OCCC report’s recommendations, the author may wish to narrow the impact of such prior law enforcement or military experiences to providing credit towards satisfying officer minimum education requirements, rather than exempting such persons from those education requirements entirely.

Additionally, AB 89 proposes to allow prospective peace officers to satisfy peace officer minimum education requirements by obtaining a “professional policing certificate” that must offer 16 or more semester units or 24 or more quarter units of degree-applicable credit coursework. Neither AB 89 nor the OCCC report submitted to the Legislature contemplated or recommended the creation of such a certificate. Rather AB 89 (Jones-Sawyer) Chapter 405, Statutes of 2021, required the OCCC to submit a report to the Legislature outlining a plan to implement a modern policing degree program. Accordingly, the bulk of the OCCC recommendations focus on outlining the requirements and substance for that program.^[16] POST is required to “approve and adopt the education criteria for peace officers, based on the recommendations in [the OCCC report].” (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd (c).) Given that the OCCC report does not recommend creating such a “professional policing certificate” and this certificate could be awarded with only 16 semester units, including academy coursework, the creation of this certificate is arguably inconsistent with the OCCC report and risks undercutting or entirely supplanting the modern policing degree program required to be established by AB 89 (Jones-Sawyer) Chapter 405, Statutes of 2021.The author may wish to remove the certificate requirement entirely, or otherwise increase the amount of units required of such a certificate, to avoid creating a far easier means of compliance that discourages prospective officers from completing the modern policing degree program.

This concern is particularly apt given that the bill also authorizes academy coursework to count towards the completion of such a 16 minimum unit certificate, which makes it possible for academy coursework to automatically satisfy the “certificate” option. This is arguably a major loophole in this bill. Committee amendments attempt to address this issue by specifying that coursework completed as part of the commission-certified academy cannot count towards the entirety of the units required for a professional policing certificate. The author additionally may wish to provide further guidelines and limitations on the extent to which academy coursework can count towards the minimum 16 semester unit requirement of the policing certificate, to avoid undercutting the modern policing degree program.

AB 992 also removes the requirement that POST approve and adopt education criteria for peace officers, based on, and within two years of, the submission of the OCCC report to the Legislature. The OCCC report was released in November of 2023, which would require POST to adopt minimum education standards for peace officers by the end of this year. SB 385 (Seyarto and Wahab), of the 2024-2025 Legislative Session, mirrors this provision, and additionally includes an urgency provision to ensure this statutory deadline is removed before this bill enters into effect. This bill would enter into effect by January 1, 2031, which gives community colleges and universities some time to develop the programs and certificates created by this bill. However, this would not only remove POST’s upcoming deadline to adopt education criteria, but also POST’s responsibility to develop such criteria more generally. This shifts the responsibility for developing peace officer minimum standards from POST to the Legislature, which is distinct from the process initially proposed by AB 89 (Jones-Sawyer) Chapter 405, Statutes of 2021.

Finally, AB 992 establishes the Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force, with the goal of identifying and recruiting candidates for law enforcement agencies, which shall be comprised of management and rank and file representatives from county sheriff departments, municipal police agencies, CHP, and other law enforcement organizations. The author may to expand upon, and further clarify, the structure, jurisdiction, and responsibilities of this proposed entity.

1. Argument in Support: According to the Peace Officers’ Research Association of California, “AB 992 builds upon the work of a legislatively directed working group that, in 2023, provided recommendations for creating a modern policing degree. Rather than relying on a single path, this bill expands the approach by offering multiple higher education options that reflect the diverse experiences and strengths of future law enforcement professionals. These include associate’s degrees, professional certificates, prior military service, and other relevant credentials.

“AB 992 refines the previous framework by allowing greater flexibility in how education requirements can be met, rather than requiring a specific degree program to be approved by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). This change creates a more realistic and adaptable structure for officer education and recruitment.

“The bill also establishes a statewide task force to support recruitment efforts and encourage broader access to law enforcement careers across California’s communities. PORAC believes AB 992 is a thoughtful and balanced approach that supports the continued advancement of our profession, while keeping pathways to service open and attainable for individuals from all backgrounds. Providing officers with strong educational foundations—without imposing unnecessary barriers—will help strengthen both public safety and community trust.”

1. Related Legislation: SB 385 (Seyarto and Wahab) would eliminate the requirement that POST adopt education criteria for police officers, based on the report that the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges submitted to the Legislature, within two years of the submission of the report, and makes this effective as an urgency statute. SB 385 is pending in Senate Appropriations Committee.
   
2. Prior Legislation:
   1. SB 1122 (Seyarto), of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session, would have clarified that a bachelor’s or associate’s degree required for employment as a peace officer may be obtained after the completion of the POST program and within 36 months of employment as a peace officer. SB 1122 recalled from Engrossing and Enrolling.
   2. AB 852 (Jones-Sawyer), of the 2023-2024 Legislative Session, would have required a peace officer who is hired on or after January 1, 2029 to attain a modern policing degree, or a bachelor’s or other advanced degree from an accredited college or university, within 36 months of commencing their employment as a peace officer. AB 852 passed the Assembly and Senate but was never sent to the Governor.
   3. AB 458 (Jones-Sawyer), Chapter 440, Statutes of 2023, requires an officer to attain either of the following degrees prior to receiving a basic certificate beginning on January 1, 2028: a modern policing degree from a California Community College; or,
      a bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree from an accredited college or university. AB 458 was gutted and amended in the Senate.
   4. AB 655 (Kalra), Chapter 854, Statutes of 2022, required background checks to determine whether a person seeking to be employed as a peace officer exhibits unlawful bias by engaging in a hate group.
   5. AB 2229 (L. Rivas), Chapter 959, Statutes of 2022, reenacts the requirement that peace officers be found to be free from any physical, emotional, or mental condition that might adversely affect the exercise of their powers, including bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
   6. SB 960 (Skinner), Chapter 825, Statutes of 2022, removed provisions of existing law requiring peace officers to either be a citizen of the United States or be a permanent resident who is eligible for and has applied for citizenship.
   7. AB 89 (Jones-Sawyer), Chapter 405, Statutes of 2021, requires all peace officers employed by agencies that participate in the POST program, who are not employed in or enrolled in academy for that position as of 2024, to be at least age 21 and meet specified education requirements.
   8. AB 846 (Burke), Chapter 322, Statutes of 2020, provided that evaluations of peace officers shall include an evaluation of bias against race or ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Arcadia Police Officers' Association
Brea Police Association
Burbank Police Officers' Association
California Association of School Police Chiefs
California Civil Liberties Advocacy
California Coalition of School Safety Professionals
California Narcotic Officers' Association
California Police Chiefs Association
California Reserve Peace Officers Association
Claremont Police Officers Association
Corona Police Officers Association
Culver City Police Officers' Association
Fullerton Police Officers' Association
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Los Angeles School Police Management Association
Los Angeles School Police Officers Association
Murrieta Police Officers' Association
Newport Beach Police Association
Palos Verdes Police Officers Association
Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC)
Placer County Deputy Sheriffs' Association
Pomona Police Officers' Association
Riverside Police Officers Association
Riverside Sheriffs' Association
Santa Ana Police Officers Association

Opposition

None Submitted.

Analysis Prepared by:

1. Police Executive Research Forum, Survey on Police Workforce Trends (June 11, 2021), available at: https://www.policeforum.org/workforcesurveyjune2021 ↑

2. The San Diego Tribune, San Diego facing new police officer vacancy crisis blamed partly on vaccine mandate (Feb. 3, 2022), available at: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/politics/story/2022-02-03/san-diego-facing-new-police-officer-vacancy-crisis-blamed-partly-on-vaccine-mandate ↑

3. Los Angeles Daily News, LAPD is short about 300 officers but the chief hopes to fill the gap (Aug. 20, 2021), available at: https://www.dailynews.com/2021/08/20/lapd-is-short-about-300-officers-but-the-chief-plans-to-fill-the-gap/; Sierra, SFPD could be short 533 officers amid staffing strains from the vaccine mandate, ABC 7 News, (Nov. 1, 2021), available at: https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-vaccine-mandate-sfpd-sf-city-workers-on-leave/11188916/ ↑

4. Lofstrom et. al., Law Enforcement Staffing in California, Public Policy Institute of California (Feb. 2025), available at: https://www.ppic.org/publication/law-enforcement-staffing-in-california/ ↑

5. Public Policy Institute of California, California’s Notable Decliens in Law Enforcement Staffing (Feb. 14, 2023), available at: https://www.ppic.org/blog/californias-notable-declines-in-law-enforcement-staffing/ ↑

6. Lofstrom et. al., Law Enforcement Staffing in California, Public Policy Institute of California (Feb. 2025), available at: https://www.ppic.org/publication/law-enforcement-staffing-in-california/ ↑

7. See SB 960 (Skinner, Ch. 825, Stats. of 2022), and AB 1435 (Lackey, 2023), vetoed by the Governor. ↑

8. Public Policy Institute of California, New Law Raises Standards for Police Officers (Jan. 26, 2022), available at: https://www.ppic.org/blog/new-law-raises-standards-for-police-officers/#:~:text=Last%20fall%2C%20Governor%20Newsom%20signed,enforcement%20from%2018%20to%2021; Cal Matters, Mandate higher education for California police officers (March 26, 2021), available at: https://calmatters.org/justice/2021/03/mandate-higher-education-for-california-police-officers/ ↑

9. Rydberg and Terril, The Effect of Higher Education on Police Behavior, Police Quarterly (13 (1), 92-120, at pp. 92, 99, available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247748841_The_Effect_of_Higher_Education_on_Police_Behavior; Mcelvain and Kposowa, Police Officer Characteristic and the Likelihood of Using Deadly Force, Criminal Justice Behavior 25(4): 505-521, at p. 505, available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/247745141_Police_Officer_Characteristics_and_the_Likelihood_of_Using_Deadly_Force ↑

10. California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, California Assembly Bill 89 Modern Policing Degree Task Force Report and Recommendations (Nov. 6, 2023), available at: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/docs/report/2023-AB-89-Task-Force-Report-to-Legislature---FINAL.pdf?la=en&hash=734BC84521A88B49A0ADAD91AE1E289D031937C9&hash=734BC84521A88B49A0ADAD91AE1E289D031937C9 ↑

11. Id. at p. 8. ↑

12. Ibid. ↑

13. Id. at p. 9. ↑

14. California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, California Assembly Bill 89 Modern Policing Degree Task Force Report and Recommendations (Nov. 6, 2023), at pp. 15-16. available at: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/docs/report/2023-AB-89-Task-Force-Report-to-Legislature--- ↑

15. (Pen. Code, § 13511.1, subd. (a)(2).) ↑

16. California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, California Assembly Bill 89 Modern Policing Degree Task Force Report and Recommendations (Nov. 6, 2023), at pp. 8-15. available at: https://www.cccco.edu/-/media/CCCCO-Website/docs/report/2023-AB-89-Task-Force-Report-to-Legislature--- ↑