POST Program for California Law Enforcement Agencies

What is the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)?

The Commission was established by the Legislature in 1959 to set minimum selection and training standards for California Law Enforcement. The POST organization functions under the direction of an Executive Director appointed by the Commission.

Participating in the POST Program is voluntary and there is no cost to join. Participating agencies agree to comply with and continue to adhere to minimum selection and training standards and all Commission Regulations. More than 600 agencies participate in the POST Program.

Benefits of Joining POST Program

• Job-related assessment tools
• Research into improved officer selection standards
• Management Counseling services
• Development of new training courses
• Availability of Guidelines and Publications
• Reimbursement for training (if eligible per PC 13510)
• Quality leadership training programs
• Litigation assistance
• Assigned Regional Consultant
• Learning Portal access with free online training
• Eligible to attend POST offered training
• Course Certification support
• Ease of Lateral opportunities

For those agencies who are not eligible* to receive reimbursement (per Penal Code 13510) below are some additional factors/responsibilities to consider.

• Required to meet POST Hiring Standards for newly hired peace officers, reserve officers, and public safety dispatch personnel
• Maintain proper training records per POST regulations
• Meet both Legislative and POST Regulatory Training requirements such as:
  • Adherence to POST Field Training Program requirements
  • 24 hours of POST certified Continuous Professional Training (CPT) every 24 months
  • All appointed officers to the position of Sergeant must complete the Supervisory Course within one-year of appointment
  • All appointed officers to the position of Lieutenant must complete the Management Course within one-year of appointment
• Increased expenses for agency due to mandated training requirements by POST
• Background Investigations may be stricter; requirements to meet both Government Code and POST Regulations
• Annual Compliance review of all newly hired peace officers, reserve officers, and public safety dispatch personnel
• Certificate Compliance reviews

*Airport District, Municipal Utility/Water Districts, Railroad Police, Welfare Fraud