*****REQUIREMENTS*****

AGE

18 years old. However, most agencies will not offer positions to candidates that are not at least 21 years of age and older. If you are 18 years old, we suggest you stay in school and get your AA/AS Degree in Administration of Justice. A Degree in Administration of Justice will enhance your chances of getting a job in law enforcement.

Presently, you need a high school diploma or a GED in order to enroll in the Police Academy. It is the minimum requirement, however, the more education you have, the better (law enforcement agencies are  interested in candidates with college credits or degrees..) You are required to enroll in PAC 43.48, "The World of Criminal Justice" prior to attending the police academy. Click on link for additional information :  The World of Criminal Justice.

 A valid California Drivers License is required.

Live scan fingerprinting is required to attend the police academy. You may contact http://caag.state.ca.us/fingerprints/publications/contact.htm for a list of locations.

Within three months of the academy that you are invited to attend, you must have a complete medical examination; the results must be recorded on a Rio Hondo approved medical form. You may complete your medical exam at the student health center or your private physician. You may contact the Health Office to schedule an appointment. The number is (562) 692-0921 x3438.

The Basic Police Academy class is currently twenty-one weeks. It is paramilitary in structure (similar to military basic training), and requires a great deal of physical endurance and mental discipline. Both males and females are required to participate in all areas of the Academy. Rio Hondo has high academic standards. Therefore, cadets must successfully pass twenty-six Domain examinations on subjects such as law, patrol tactics, search and seizure, and evidence. They must display proficiency in other areas of training including firearms, physical fitness, weaponless defense, and emergency vehicle operations.

Tuition is payable on the first day of the Academy class, and is currently $$1196.50 (this amount is subject to change.) Approximately halfway through the Academy, cadets are required to attend a Driver Training course. The cost for the course is $525.00 and is payable at that time. In addition, pre-service cadets must provide a pay for all uniforms, leather gear, weapon, PT gear, running shoes, jacket, baseball cap, etc. The total cost is approximately $4000.00 For an itemized list, please click on the following link: Costs

Some candidates receive assistance from the unemployment office if they have been laid off from a job. Check with them to see if you qualify.

Upon graduation from the Police Academy, you will receive a certificate of completion that enables you to qualify for  any police department in the State of California at entry level. ** NOTE…some departments may require you to attend their Police Academy (i.e., LAPD, LASD, CHP.) The certificate of completion is valid for three years from the date of your graduation.

Several police agencies recruit in each Academy class. Many of the pre-service cadets are hired while still attending the Academy.

The Financial Aid office is located on the main campus. The telephone number is (562) 692-0921 Ext: 3411.VETERAN’S AID: The Veteran’s Aid office is located on the main campus. The telephone number is (562) 692-0921 Ext: 3133.

Rio Hondo is not a live-in Academy. Class hours are generally during the day. However, it is sometimes necessary to adjust the hours/sessions to include late night and weekends for various classes such as firearms training, field scenario testing, and chemical agents/riot control. Past experience indicates that it is impossible to attend the twenty-one week Academy and try to work a full-time or part-time job.
 

Academy Dates 2009 - 2011        

*Orientation will be held at the Police Academy in Classroom A. It will begin at 9:00 a.m. sharp!

RIO HONDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT  

Department of Public Safety – Regional Training Center

3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA. 90601