Administration of Justice
Prepare. Protect. Serve.
If you're passionate about making a difference in your community through a career in law enforcement, the court system, or corrections, our Public Safety Training Center offers a variety of certificates, degrees, and continuing education programs tailored to these three key components of the justice system.
With courses certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and hands-on experience, you'll gain the skills to excel in public safety, foster strong community partnerships, and advance in your career. For those wanting to go beyond basic law enforcement training, we offer two degree tracks, including the option to apply Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) units toward an Associate of Science in Police Science, helping you qualify for higher-paying roles and meet college degree requirements set by many agencies.
medal Icon Administration of Justice | Associate of Science for Transfer |
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medal Icon Police Science | Associate of Science |
Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) Information
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 40-45 hours per week.
FORMS AND RESOURCES
We offer the PELLETB test once every 5 weeks on Saturdays at 9:00 am, immediately followed by the Physical Assessment. Individual tests can be scheduled during the week for individuals and small groups. To find a test date that works for you, please contact Academy Staff by email at police-academy@redwoods.edu or by phone at (707) 476-4334.
- Saturday, November 2
- Saturday, December 7
133rd Academy - Spring 2024:
MODULE III - AJ 81
January 8 - February 15, 2024 - 8 units
MODULE II - AJ 82
February 20 - April 6, 2024 - 8.5 units
MODULE I - AJ 83
April 8 - July 12, 2024 - 16 units
134th Academy - Fall 2024:
MODULE III - AJ 81
June 10 - July 18, 2024 - 8 units
MODULE II - AJ 82
July 22 - September 7, 2024 - 8.5 units
MODULE I - AJ 83
September 9 - December 13, 2024 - 16 units
135th Academy - Spring 2025:
MODULE III - AJ 81
January 6 - February 13, 2025 - 8 units
MODULE II - AJ 82
February 18 - April 4, 2025 - 8.5 units
MODULE I - AJ 83
April 7 - July 11, 2025 - 16 units
The following fees are approximate and subject to change. Please call the Public Safety Training Center for more details and exact costs.
College Fees | |
Registration (enrollment) Fee - 32.5 semester units ($46/unit) | $1,495 |
Health Fee & Student Fees | $65 |
On-Campus Parking | $71 |
* Out-of-state Tuition 32.5 semester units. Students classified as non-resident by Admissions Office. ($379/unit) $12,317.50 | |
Public Safety Training Center Fees | |
Emergency Vehicle Operations Course | $500 |
Handout & Materials Fees | $150 |
Academy Hat & Name Tag (approximate) | $40 |
Required Rental Gear | $75 |
Firearm Rental - unaffiliated cadets will be required to rent a firearm from the Academy. | $50 |
Ammunition (approximate based on supplier) | $2,200 |
APPROXIMATE Total Cost (excluding costs for Livescan, Medical Clearance, Driving Record, Uniforms, and PT Gear) | $4,626 |
Updated 11/15/2023 |
PELLETB
The first step to Academy entrance is successfully completion of the PELLETB (POST Entry Level Law Enforcement Test Battery). The PELLETB is a test intended to test your BASIC literacy and to make sure you will be comfortable with the testing and studying required for the Academy. It is required by P.O.S.T. No fee is required to take the exam. Test results are good for one year . You may take the test as many times as needed to obtain a passing score. However, only one attempt at each month's test is allowed (once for March, once for April, etc) and you must wait 30 days between attempts. Also recognize that a repeated difficulty would indicate a need for further English studies.
To register for the test, please call (707) 476-4334 during regular business hours. Receipt of a passing score will start the application process.
Physical Aptitude
In addition to the PELLETB, you will now also be required to demonstrate your physical aptitude. On the day of and prior to the PELLETB, you will be required to:
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- Complete 20 pushups (straight-leg) in one minute
- Complete 25 sit-ups in one minute
- Run 1.5 miles in 17 minutes or less
These minimum requirements this will assure the entire class is able to work hard and work together towards successful completion of the POST Job-Related Work Test Battery. If you are unable to successfully demonstrate these feats, you may return at any time to try again but you MUST complete the test prior to starting the academy. The physical testing will start at 9:00am with the PELLETB to follow immediately. Allow three hours to complete the PELLETB though you may finish sooner.
Admission Requirements
Each academy class is limited to forty students and applications will be accepted in order of their receipt.
Applicants must:
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- Be 18 years of age (although 21 is recommended)
- Possess a high school diploma or a G.E.D. (this is a hiring requirement for all California law enforcement agencies).
- Take the P.O.S.T. Entry Level Reading and Writing Skills Test and pass with a T-score of 42 or higher.
- Submit a criminal history clearance including fingerprint submission to the Department of Justice pursuant to penal code requirements.
- Possess a current valid driver's license.
- Obtain a medical clearance.
POST Training
The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certifies all courses.