CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING
The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) is a state agency responsible for continually enhancing the professionalism of California law enforcement by establishing and enforcing comprehensive selection and training standards. POST plays a vital role in ensuring that peace officers across more than 600 participating agencies have the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation to serve their communities effectively.
Established by the California Legislature in 1959, POST was the first organization of its kind in the United States. Its program is voluntary, with participating agencies agreeing to adhere to the standards the Commission sets. In 2021, the legislature granted POST additional authority to certify, suspend, and decertify peace officers for serious misconduct, a significant expansion of its role in ensuring accountability.
POST is part of a multi-agency system that ensures public safety professionals across California meet robust, role-specific standards for training and professional conduct.
Mission and Vision
POST’s mission is to continually enhance the professionalism of California law enforcement in serving its communities. Its vision is to be a leader in establishing professional standards, assuring high-quality training, and providing effective services to support law enforcement officers and organizations.
Key Responsibilities and Programs
The primary functions and programs of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training include:
Establishing Standards: POST sets minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement and develops job-related assessment tools to ensure agencies adhere to these standards.
Managing Training: POST mandates the completion of a Commission certified Basic Course (commonly referred to as an academy) for all newly appointed peace officers in participating agencies. It also mandates ongoing training requirements, such as the Continuing Professional Training (CPT) program, which requires 24 hours of training every two years for most officers.
Certification and Decertification: In 2021, the California Legislature granted POST the authority to certify peace officers, as well as to suspend or decertify them for serious misconduct, a significant step in ensuring accountability. This process involves the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Division, which brings proceedings for revocation or suspension of certification.
Developing Curriculum and Guidelines: The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training develops and updates training curriculum on various critical topics, including:
- Behavioral health and interaction with persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and substance use disorders.
- Indicators of hate crimes and appropriate responses.
- Guidelines for interacting with survivors of human trafficking and for the use of canines by law enforcement.
Providing Resources and Support: The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training offers job-related assessment tools, leadership development programs, and management counseling services to foster healthy organizational environments. It also researches improved officer selection standards and develops new training courses.
Funding: The POST program is incentive-based and funded primarily by penalty assessments on criminal and traffic fines (State Penalty Fund), not tax dollars. Participating agencies agree to abide by POST standards to be eligible for its services and benefits, including training reimbursement.
Structure
The Commission itself is a balanced group of city and county administrators, law enforcement professionals, educators, and public members appointed by the Governor, with the Attorney General serving as an ex-officio member. The Commission meets three times a year to establish standards, regulations, and provide strategic direction to POST staff.
Read more about public safety licensing and certifications in California.
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