Butte College Law Enforcement Academy

Application of Interest for the 154th Law Enforcement Academy will open

February 5, 2024

 

Academy Dates:

Fall 2024: July 1, 2024 - December 6, 2024

 

Spring 2025: TBD

 

Location:  

3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville, CA 95965

Law Enforcement Academy classes are held in the Allied Health/Public Service Building of the Butte College Main Campus. The campus is located at the geographical center of the communities of Chico, Oroville and Paradise at the corner of Clark and Durham Pentz Roads. There is convenient access from Highway 99 and Highway 70.

The Program:

The Butte College Law Enforcement Academy has been presenting programs for over thirty years and has graduated over 5,000 students. The program is approved by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).

P.O.S.T. requires law enforcement recruits to receive a minimum of 664 hours of training; our program exceeds this requirement. The academy offers approximately 924 hours of instruction in the 42 separate topics needed to enter the exciting and rewarding law enforcement career field. Recruits will also be enrolled in a Critical Skills course that includes techniques to ensure your success in the academy program.  In the Law Enforcement Academy local agencies have 1^st option for seats, for their new hires.  Once agencies conclude their hiring processes Butte College will fill the remaining seats with individual applicants, by T-Score, who wish to attend.

Certification:

The Butte College Law Enforcement Academy conforms to standards for certification by P.O.S.T. Upon successful completion of the academy program, the student is eligible to apply for entry-level positions as a law enforcement officer anywhere in the State of California.

NOTE:  California Government Code Section 1031.4 states that any peace officer employed by an agency that participates in the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program shall be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 405, Sec. 3. (AB 89) Effective January 1, 2022.)

Time:

Class is often held 6 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, depending on program training needs. Some training sessions are required to be conducted during hours of darkness, so training hours will be adjusted accordingly.

Requirements:

High school diploma from an accredited high school or GED. No misdemeanor or felony convictions which would prohibit you from possessing a firearm.  Possess a valid unrestricted Driver License, without current suspensions. Pass P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) exam with a score of 42 or higher. Attend a Law Enforcement Academy Orientation.  Possess a Butte College Student ID number.

Fees: (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

It is estimated that the cost for California residents to attend this course is approximately $5,500.00, including tuition, material fees, driving fees, textbooks, uniforms, physical training clothing, ammunition, hearing and eye protection, and facility use fees. Not included are living expenses. Weapons and required safety equipment will be furnished during training. Out-of-state students will be charged an additional $270.00 per unit. NOTE: The college has a new fee policy called "7 Days to Pay." For more information: http://3vi.cskz58.com/7days/

Academy Entrance Steps:  Application Deadline - November 10, 2023 at 5:00pm

1. Complete the online “ACADEMY ENROLLMENT APPLICATION."
2. Apply for a Butte College Student ID number.  You will have a Student ID number if you have ever attended a Butte College Class.  If you need to obtain a Butte College Student ID number go to the main page 3vi.cskz58.com and click on the "Apply Now" link at the top of the page.
3. Call our office, (530) 895-2401, and reserve a slot to take a P.O.S.T. Entrance Examination (. Bring a valid form of photo identification to the examination site. See below for additional information.
4. Attend the Law Enforcement Academy Orientation.
5. Specific and detailed instructions will be emailed to each applicant who has successfully completed the entrance examination, attended the pre-academy orientation, possesses a Butte College Student ID number, and has been selected to attend the academy.
6. Placement in the academy will be offered to applicants receiving the highest T-Scores.  Therefore, a T-Score of 42 will not necessarily assure you a spot in the academy.

 

Entry Level Exam:

Each applicant must complete a P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Examination (PELLET-B) consisting of basic language skills. Approximately two and one-half hours are allowed for the examination. Examinations are normally offered two times prior to the start of each academy. Applicants can take the examination at any facility in California offering the PELLET-B as long as the results are submitted on agency letterhead.  Applicants are encouraged to take the test more than once, since the highest score is used to determine entrance eligibility. Be aware that when you take the P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Examination you must wait one month before you can retake the test.  Examination results take approximately 10 working days.  P.O.S.T. Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLET-B) examination scores will be accepted from other agencies if the results are documented on agency letterhead. Butte College Law Enforcement academy will accept scores up to (3) years old. NOTE:  Testing space is limited.  The first 150 to contact this office will be accepted for each testing date.  Location of Academy Testing

To Sign up for the PELLET-B Click Here

 

POST ENTRY LEVEL EXAM
Saturday, March 9, 2024	9:00 AM	AHPS 118 A

 

To Sign Up for the Orientation Click Here

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY ORIENTATION & 1.5 Mile Run
TBD	8:00AM	Track & AHPS 118 A

 

To take a sample entry-level examination go to the left side of this page and select “Practice P.O.S.T. Exam.”

If you have a learning disability, you should contact Disabled Student Services at (530) 895-2455, prior to scheduling the Entry Level Test, so that we can accommodate your special needs. Any special accommodations must be arranged and this office notified of the special arrangements prior to the test date.

Orientation:

Applicants are required to attend a pre-academy orientation.  During the two-hour presentation we will provide an overview of what will be expected of you physically, mentally, and academically to ensure that you are informed and prepared for a successful experience in the academy program.  Questions are encouraged during the orientation.  Family members are welcome to attend. 

Units:

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will receive 36 semester units.

Uniforms:

Self-Sponsored Academy Recruits will be required to wear the Butte College Law Enforcement Academy uniform. Details will be provided to those who are accepted into the academy program.  Sponsoring agencies can send their recruits in their agency uniform or the Butte College Law Enforcement Academy uniform.

Required Equipment:

Academy recruits are required to have a laptop computer. Computer must have WiFi capabilities, be able to open PDF's, and have some type of note taking program.

Financial Aid:

The Butte College Financial Aid office can be reached at (530) 895-2311, and the college’s Veterans Office can be reached by calling (530) 895-2566. Financial assistance may be available to qualified students. A Guide to Financial Aid for the Law Academy.  Please apply for grants and loans as soon as possible.  For more information and to apply:  http://3vi.cskz58.com/financialaid/

Butte College Promise Scholarship Program: 

This program is an opportunity to have your fees paid if you don’t qualify for FAFSA.  It is not income based; you must apply for FAFSA first.  This program will apply if you don’t qualify for FAFSA.  BC Promise Scholarship Program FAQ

Housing:

There is no housing on campus. Neighboring Chico and Oroville communities are approximately a 20-minute commute from the campus. There is ample rental housing in these communities.

Information: Please call our office at (530) 895-2401 between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Thursday.