The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) was established by the Legislature in 1959 to set minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement. In 2021, POST was given additional authority by the legislature to certify peace officers, as well as to suspend and decertify peace officers for serious misconduct. The POST organization, with more than 260 staff members, functions under the direction of an Executive Director appointed by the Commission.
POST funding comes from the General Fund and the State Penalty Fund. The State Penalty Fund receives money from penalty assessments on criminal and traffic fines.
The POST Program is voluntary and incentive-based. Participating agencies agree to abide by the standards established by POST. More than 600 agencies participate in the POST Program and are eligible to receive the Commission's services and benefits which include:
- Job-related assessment tools
- Research into improved officer selection standards
- Management counseling services
- The development of new training courses
- Reimbursement for training
- Quality leadership training programs, and
- Variety of training resources, including high quality online self-paced courses and videos in the Learning Portal, catalog of available courses, and publications and guidelines
POST also awards professional certificates to recognize peace officer achievement and proficiency.
Awards and Recognition
Bud Hawkins, Excellence in Training and Emmy Awards.
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Who POST is and What We Do
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Forms
All POST forms can be found in one location on the website.
Job Opportunities
POST is a small, friendly, family-oriented state agency. Its highly committed and diverse staff includes consultants with prior law enforcement background, and professional, technical, and administrative support.
POST Governance