Basic Police Academies

Fresno City College's Police Academy was established in 1973, to provide the training necessary for employment as a Peace Officer in California. This program is certified by the State of California via Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST).

Administration of Justice Basic Police Academy Certificate of Achievement (F.8921.CA)

3. EVOC pursuit training at night

2. Collision Avoidance driving technique during Basic Academy EVOC training

Application Process:

  1. Complete the application for the Academy at Apply to the Academy. This will put you on the list of individuals that need to take the test for any upcoming Academy. Typically, we give the written test 3-4 months in advance of the upcoming Academy. You will also find useful information on the application about the physical agility test and a link to the POST website where you can obtain a study guide for the POST Pellet B test.
  2. Applicants who have already taken the POST Pellet-B, either here or elsewhere, need to email their results to policeacademy@fresnocitycollege.edu, (Must have achieved a passing score of 44.5 or above). This score can be used in lieu of having to retake the test.
  3. Applicants can get a waiver on the Pellet B test if they have completed their AA degree or higher or if they have completed English 1A with a grade of “C” or higher. Please send your official transcripts to policeacademy@fresnocitycollege.edu. 
  4. Those that receive a passing score on the written test will be notified to report for a physical agility exam. This exam is an assessment only meant to measure your level of fitness and preparation for the Academy. It will be administered approximately 2-4 weeks after the written test. This test is required prior to each academy regardless if a previous test has been taken.
  5. All applicants who attend the physical agility test will be invited to attend the orientation and will be given an interview time.
  6. Failure to complete any one of these steps will result in the applicant being removed from the application list for the next upcoming Academy.
  7. A final review of all applicants’ files by Academy personnel (Director, Coordinator and RTO’s) will be conducted. This review includes applicants written scores, physical agility test, interview and application packet information. The candidates are then awarded spots based on availability. Candidates can be offered spots in future academies if a class is full.
  8. Letters of Selection or non-selection are emailed to candidates advising them of the status of their application.
  9. Some applicants do not meet the stringent requirements set by the Academy and may not be offered positions based on the overall assessment by the Academy personnel. Final decisions are made by the Basic Academy Coordinator or the Academy Director.

Prerequisites

  • Be 18 years of age
  • Valid California Driver's License
  • Have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
  • Be in good academic/progress standing with the college (if on academic probation, you must receive clearance from the FCC counseling department)
  • Pass the application process (outlined above).
  • Pass a physical (medical) examination
  • Obtain a Department of Motor Vehicles printout (after completing the application process)
  • Obtain a Department of Justice clearance for POST training (after passing the application process). Applicants unable to obtain Department of Justice clearance are ineligible to attend the Academy per POST requirements.

Academy Attendance Costs

  • Registration ($46.00 per unit at 38 total units) = $1748.00
  • College Health Fee = $21.00 (Paid separately on Part A and Part B)
  • Material Fee = $19.00
  • Student Fee Waiver = $2.00
  • Parking Fee ($30.00 per semester)
  • Fees are subject to change

Additional Costs

Total costs which include costs associated with attending can be up to $5,000 or more. These costs can vary based on amount and type of equipment purchased by the cadet.

Costs include the basic college fees plus the cost of additional supplies which can include, but not limited to:

  • Gun (Biggest cost item)
  • Ammunition (exceeds $500)
  • Duty belt
  • Uniforms
  • Books
  • Handcuffs
  • Expandable baton
  • Inert O.C. spray
  • Physical training gear
  • Shooting Range equipment (gun cleaning kit, eye & ear protection

Range and EVOC fees subject to change

Financial Assistance and Veterans Benefits

You may apply for assistance with the cost of the academy by applying for Financial Aid, using a G.I. bill, or other services. Assistance with how to obtain these benefits are explained in orientation but the Academy is not responsible for ensuring these benefits are received. Applicants are responsible for completing all paperwork and ensuring that they have been approved.

1. Basic Academy Firearms training at the Range

FCC Police Academy offers five academies a year:

  • 3 Day Academies - January to June, June to December and September to April
  • 1 Night Academy - February to December - NOT OFFERED AT THIS TIME
  • 1 Module I Academy – May to August (you must have successfully completed Modules III & II). See Module I Academy page for more information. - NOT OFFERED AT THIS TIME

Day Academy

The Day Academies are presented in the Intensive Format. It meets Monday to Friday, 7:45 am to 5:30 pm with some Saturdays and some night sessions. Day Academy last 6-months.

Night Academy - NOT OFFERED AT THIS TIME

The Night Academy is presented in the Extended Format. It meets Monday through Friday evenings 5:45 pm to 10:30 pm and may involve some weekends. This academy is attended by those students who work a full or part-time job and need the flexibility of a night academy. The Night Academy last 10 months.

Module I Academy - NOT OFFERED AT THIS TIME

The Module I Academy is the final module in the three Modular Format. A POST profile will be needed to prove completion of Module III and II.

Transferability to Associates of Science (AS) Program

Students completing the academy receive 48 units of credit for AJ 270A and AJ 270B - Basic Police Academy. Those wishing to complete the A.S. Degree program in Criminology may request to waive two courses from Criminology 1, 6, 7, or 12. Waiver forms can be obtained from the Admissions and Records Office.

Students completing Basic Police Academy obtain 48 college units.