PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course

The PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Course (PC 832 Course) is the minimum training standard for California peace officers as specified in Commission Regulation 1005. This training may be met by successful completion of a basic training course (e.g., Regular Basic Course, Specialized Investigators' Basic Course, and Level III Modular Format Course) or as a separate stand-alone certified course.

Curriculum

The Arrest and Firearms (PC 832) course consists of two components, which total a minimum of 64 hours. The Arrest component has a 40-hour requirement, and the Firearms component has a 24-hour requirement. These components are divided into 14 individual topics, called Learning Domains. The Learning Domains contain the minimum required foundational information for given subjects. The training and testing specifications for a particular domain may also include information on required instructional activities and testing requirements. The specific learning domains are identified in the PC 832 training specifications.

Tests

The Arrest component includes a 100-question, multiple-choice written examination and several skill examinations on Arrest and Control Techniques. The Firearms component includes a firearms range qualification examination. All tests are graded pass/fail, with one retest opportunity per examination. If a retest is failed, the corresponding component of the PC 832 Course must be repeated in its entirety.

Requalification Requirement (Three Year Rule)

As specified in Commission Regulation 1080, requalification of PC 832 training is required before exercising peace officer powers when:

  • An individual does not become employed as a peace officer within three years of successful completion of PC 832 training, or
  • An individual, completes PC 832 training, and subsequently has a three-year-or-longer break in service as a peace officer.

To requalify, an individual must successfully complete PC 832 Arrest and Firearms Requalification.