Basic Law Enforcement Academy

Since 1966, College of the Redwoods has proudly offered our Basic Law Enforcement Academy, also known as the Police Academy. We have produced more than 3,738 peace officers. Today, the Academy is presented in a modular format and is offered in spring and again in fall.

The Academy is an intensive program that meets 40-50 hours per week, five (and occasionally more) days per week.

 Students interested in the Academy must pass

• PELLETB test
• Physical fitness assessment

Police Science

The Basic Law Enforcement Academy is just the beginning!

For those wishing to pursue their studies above and beyond the basics of law enforcement we offer two degree tracks. After completing the BLEA, you can use those units towards an Associate of Science, Police Science degree, which will make you more employable in those agencies that require a college degree and, once hired, will help you move into higher paying jobs faster.

If you want to continue your studies, you can complete an Associate of Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer, which prepares you to transfer to a CSU as a junior.

Start here and transfer to a CSU

The Associate of Science in Administration of Justice for Transfer degree ensures that you will be able to transfer the sixty units earned to any CSU campus which offers a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree in criminal justice. 

Students who earn a BA or BS in criminal justice go on to careers as:

• Police officers
• Corrections officers
• Probation officers
• FBI & CIA officers
• Secret Service officers
• US Marshalls
• Crime Scene Investigators
• Computer Forensics specialists
• And many more…

Other Training Opportunities

Advanced Officer Training

Did you know that some local agencies pay extra for attainment of POST certificates? Eureka Police Department, for instance, pays an additional 7% for the Intermediate and 14% for the Advanced Certificate.

Public Safety Dispatcher

Public Safety Dispatchers' Basic Course introduces the necessary skills and knowledge to work in a law enforcement communications center in a productive and professional manner. The course also prepares each student for the basic roles, responsibilities, and duties of a public safety dispatcher within the law enforcement agency.

California Employment Statistics

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Outlook 2018-2028

Employment opportunities include:

• Patrol Officer
• Correctional Officer
• Parole / Probation Officer
• Natural Resources or Parks Law Enforcement
• Private Investigator
• Private Security Guard
• Evidence Storage and Maintenance Clerk
• Emergency Dispatcher
• Community Services Officer

Contact Us

Administration of Justice

 Ron Waters, Director
  707-476-4331
 Debbie Topping, Administrative Office Coordinator
  707-476-4334

Safety, Health, and Physical Education Division

 David Bazard, Dean
Lupita Martinez, Administrative Office Coordinator
  707-476-4153