Frequently Asked Questions

Contact us

Criminal Justice Academies
15991 Armstrong Avenue, Tustin, CA
 CrimJustice_Academie@sac.edu
 (714) 566‑9200

Criminal Justice Academies – Frequently Asked Questions and Information

Sponsored trainees have been hired by an agency which pays for academy training. Self‑sponsored trainees enroll through Santa Ana College and pay their own expenses.

Additional differences:

  • Sponsored trainees receive pay and benefits while attending the academy.
  • They are covered by workers’ compensation as agency employees.
  • They have already passed a full background investigation.
  • They have a job upon graduation.

As of September 2013, fewer than 10% of recruits are self‑sponsored.

Common reasons include increasing competitiveness for top agencies, accelerating training timelines, and continuing after lengthy hiring processes. Successful candidates already possess the basic POST certificate needed for hire.

Sponsored trainees wear their agency’s colors and shoulder patch.

Self‑sponsored trainees wear navy‑blue uniforms with the Santa Ana College patch.

Other uniforms may include physical fitness attire as deemed by the Sheriff’s Department

Approximately $16,000 (subject to change), excluding weapon purchase and medical screening.

Included: tuition/fees, DOJ Livescan, uniforms/gear/footwear, supplies, physical training gear, driver training, training ammunition. Limited loaner firearms are available.

All trainees receive the same instruction and are held to the same standards as sponsored recruits.

Entering in strong physical condition significantly improves success. The program is intended to increase your physical fitness level and expectations increase throughout the program.

Preparation is available via Santa Ana College’s Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement Applicants course.

Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement

Santa Ana College and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department have partnered since 1970 to deliver regional law enforcement training.

Length: approximately six months, plus an optional two‑week pre‑academy.

Frequency: four to five Basic Academy classes per year (new classes start roughly every two months).

POST Basic Academy Certificate of Completion.

20.5 Santa Ana College semester units, usable toward policing certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees.

You must still be hired by an agency, which typically requires a written exam, physical agility, oral interview, background investigation, and medical/psychological exams. Some agencies may waive non‑mandatory steps for academy graduates.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy is one of approximately 40 training academies in California certified by Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) which oversees police training and sets minimal standards.

POST requires 664 hours; this academy provides 984 hours of instruction (intensive format). See post.ca.gov for learning domains and testing.

The academy is intentionally rigorous academically and physically. Trainees typically spend significant after‑hours time studying. It is a high intensity academy which simulates real-world pressures and functions as an additional screening method. Other options for less-intense accredited options exist in southern California. Part‑time work is not recommended. It is important to note that academy training requires your full commitment and other employment is discouraged.

Primary location: Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy, Tustin. Some specialized training occurs at other regional sites.

Self‑sponsored screening typically takes several months—start early.

Admission is not competitive for seats like an employment opening; you must meet prerequisites, complete the application, and pay the requisite fees.

Failure can affect future hiring prospects, as agencies may view it as an indicator of job aptitude. Applicants should be fully prepared—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

  • Counseling appointment with the CJA Training Coordinator.

  • Pass POST Entry‑Level Law Enforcement Test Battery.

  • Complete prerequisite course: CJA 010 – Pre‑Employment Preparation for Law Enforcement.

  • Submit required forms: Academy Information Sheet; Physical Agility Test Verification (from CJA 010 Course); Employment Consideration Form; Academy Success Criteria / Code of Conduct; Authorization to Release Records; Felony Disclaimer; copy of CA driver’s license; completed Personal History Statement; physician’s medical clearance; DOJ Livescan and Driving History Clearance.

Typical Equipment List- CJA staff will tell you when to purchase

  • Compression shirt long sleeved – Black (1-2) ACT staff will discuss at a future date.

  • Grappling shorts - Black (1-2) ACT staff will discuss it at a future date.

  • Jock strap and cup - male recruits

  • Mouthpiece – Sisu Max or Aero guard are recommended

  • 3” Three Ring Binders

  • High Lighter Pen - Yellow

  • Index Dividers

  • Pen (Black ink) & Pencil Set

  • Wide Ruled Paper

  • Access to a printer (For report purposes, if needed)

  • Cap - Dark Green Ball Cap (1-2)

  • Compression Shorts - Black (2-3)

  • Crew socks – white

  • Running / Athletic shoes

  • Shorts - Railroad Gray Athletic Shorts (50/50 Blend) (1-3)

  • Sweatpants - Ash Grey Sweatpants (50/50 Blend, no pocket) (2-3)

  • Sweatshirt - Ash Grey Long Sleeve Sweatshirt (50/50 Blend, no hood, no pocket) (1-2)

  • T-shirt - white, short sleeved (100% Cotton) (4-5)

  • Dummy Rounds – S.T. Action Pro Inc brand

  • Enough Magazines to Accommodate 36 Total Rounds Fired

  • California Penal Code

  • Shirt Stays

  • California Criminal Law & Concepts

  • Shooting Glasses

  • California Criminal Law Flashcards

  • Spit Shine Polish

  • California Vehicle Code

  • Stencil Set (1” & 2”)

  • Combination Lock (Locker & Patrol bag)

  • Traffic Template (Small)

  • Key Ring Whistle – Black Plastic

  • Leather Dye

  • Wrestling Shoes

  • Patrol Bag – 5.11 Patrol Ready Bag 40 L  or similar with combo locks

  • Writing Templates (Small & Large)

  • Permanent Marker - Black

  • Break-Free CLP4 Gun Cleaning Rod

  • Brass Bore Brushes Nylon Scrub Brush

  • Break Free Powder Blast Gun Cleaner Stainless Steel Scrub Brush

  • Cleaning Patches

Many instructors will be teaching from POST workbooks. Specific information will be provided prior to starting the Academy

  • Ballistic Vest Magazines (3)

  • Baton Magazine pouch

  • Baton ring Nameplate

  • Boots – highly polished

  • Pen Pencil set (Gold or Black)

  • Cover with cap piece

  • Sam Browne belt with buckle

  • Handcuff case (single type)

  • Tee shirt white or black per department policy

  • Handcuffs and handcuff key (1)

  • Trouser belt

  • Holster

  • Uniform shirt with patches (Self sponsored will wear Santa Ana College patches)

  • Jacket with shoulder patches

  • Uniform trousers

  • Keepers (4)

  • Whistle – Black Plastic

  • Key holder / key ring