POST Academy FAQs
These FAQs are designed to provide a better understanding of SJ Delta College’s POST Academy. They provide basic information and other common questions. If you have any questions about the POST Academy that are not covered here or elsewhere on our website, please email: post@deltacollege.edu
What Programs are offered by the POST Academy?
San Joaquin Delta College POST Academy was created in 1981 in Stockton, California. In 2014, SJDC added an Intensive Program in addition to the Extended Program, both are offered in the Modular format.
Intensive Program
The full-time, 988-hour intensive course satisfies the California Commission on Peace Officers and Training (POST) minimum training requirements for California entry-level peace officers. The course typically meets Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., is approximately six months in duration and was designed for employed or aspiring peace officer cadets.
Extended Program
The part-time, 988-hour extended course satisfies the California Commission on Peace Officers and Training (POST) minimum training requirements for California entry-level peace officers. The course typically meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm and on some Fridays. This nine-month program was designed for individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement, but who have not been hired or sponsored by an agency.
What is the POST Academy?
The POST Academy is the police academy. It is a certified course that when completed becomes the requirement to apply for a position of police officer, sheriff’s deputy and other sworn positions.
Where is the POST Academy?
We are located on the San Joaquin Delta College campus, 5151 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95207. The office is Holt 134, the academy classroom is Holt 101.
When do I pay my fees?
We have an estimated list of expenses that are due throughout the academy ACADEMY EXPENSE LIST.
I am a veteran, can I apply my GI Bill® towards the cost of the program?
You should contact the college’s Veteran’s Office for information. SJ Delta College - Veterans Services
Can I apply for Financial Aid?
You should contact the college’s Financial Aid Office for information. SJ Delta College - Financial Aid. Should you wish to contact WORKNET for information regarding possible support services for the academy, you can visit their webpage or call (209) 954-5728. Stop by their office in the DeRicco Building Room 208.
Will I be hired by an agency immediately after I graduate?
SJDC cannot guarantee employment; however, our Academy has a good relationship with law enforcement officers throughout the State of California. The success rate is dependent on an individual’s background and ability to pass the required employment examinations.
How do students become “agency sponsored”?
It is up to each individual to reach out the agencies about their hiring process. Once you have been hired by the agency they may cover the costs of the Academy. Law Enforcement Job Opportunities - Commission on POST
Do I receive college credit for attending the POST Academy?
Yes, upon satisfactory completion of all four phases of training, you will obtain 39 college units. The San Joaquin Delta College POST Academy is comprised of four separate Modular courses:
- AJ 094 Peace Officer Academy Orientation 3.00 units
- AJ 095A Basic Police Academy Module III 6.50 unit
- AJ 095B Basic Police Academy Module II 9.00 unit
- AJ 095C Basic Police Academy Module I 20.50 unit
In order to graduate from the Delta Academy and ultimately obtain a Basic Peace Officer Certificate, each student must enroll and successfully complete all four separate courses.
Do I need to provide my own firearm for training?
No, you will use an academy issued Glock 17, 9mm. You must be cleared through the Department of Justice with a livescan clearance letter, then a training weapon will be provided to you as part of the course. We cannot permit anyone to use our training weapons unless they are cleared by DOJ.
How long are my PELLETb test results valid?
PELLETb test results are valid for one year from your testing date.
How long is my certificate of completion from the academy valid?
Certificates of completion are valid for 3 years.
Do you offer the Academy Requalification Course?
No, SJDC does not offer this course. Refer to the POST website for other training academies. Home - Commission on POST
Can I apply for Module II or Module I if I have already passed the previous module at another agency?
Yes, you can apply. Email a copy of your last module certificate of completion to post@deltacollege.edu for review.
What should I wear for AJ94 orientation class?
AJ94 Academy Orientation will require you to be fully uniformed on Day #1 of Orientation. This is due to the Academy beginning immediately following orientation. See our UNIFORM SPECIFICATIONS.
How do I get my DOJ clearance via Live Scan performed?
A Department of Justice Clearance Letter can be obtained by getting fingerprinted at a facility that performs Live Scan fingerprinting. The clearance letter will be mailed to the applicant. Please allow up to four to six weeks to receive the clearance letter. The letter must be dated within 6 months of the first day of the program.
Where do I go for my Physician Medical Clearance?
A Medical Release form must be completed and signed by a physician indicating clearance to participate in physical training. The form must be dated within 90 days of the first day of the program. See our MEDICAL CLEARANCE form.
Where do I go for ACADEMY STUDENT FORMS?
A BOX FOLDER has the forms needed for Orientation and each class. If further information is needed, email post@deltacollege.edu.
If I work for an agency and they want to sponsor me through the Academy, what is required prior to AJ 094 orientation class?
Law Enforcement agencies wishing to sponsor students into the program should contact the Academy office to reserve seats in the next available class. 209-954-5258 or post@deltacollege.edu. Agencies should send us a list of students with student id numbers. Also, a Sponsorship Verification Letter explaining the extent to which the agency will be providing financial support up to and including full financial sponsorship.
What would be something that would disqualify me from attending the academy?
If you have been convicted of a felony, you will not be able to attend the academy and will not be able to be employed as a police officer or sheriff’s deputy in the State of California.
What about the physical part of the academy?
Physical activity is part of the POST academy throughout all modules. Our Arrest & Control aspect gets cadets physically involved in the program. Module I is the course where the physical training comes most to bear. To pass the academy, you will need to be in good cardio condition, be able to run, turn and jump and scale a six-foot wall and fence. If you’re interested to see in where you stand in passing PT at the academy, look into an academy that administers the Work Sample Test Battery (WSTB). South Bay Regional Training Center in San Jose is a facility that assesses the WSTB.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes. We do not offer an online aspect to this academy. The only way you can participate in the academy is to be in the academy and present.
What happens if I fail out of the Academy?
Cadets who fail out of a Module may inquire at the Academy office about the possibility of “dropping-in” at the next available open space for that module.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.