Pc 832

Understanding California Penal Code Section 832: Training Requirements for Law Enforcement

In California, Penal Code (PC) Section 832 outlines the training and coursework requirements that must be completed by those seeking employment as peace officers. This law applies to city police officers, county sheriff’s deputies, school district police, transit agency police, and other law enforcement roles across the state.

Overview of PC 832

At a high level, PC 832 mandates that any law enforcement officer in California must satisfactorily complete an introductory training course certified by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). This training provides the basics on topics like criminal law, search and seizure, firearms, defensive tactics, use of force, community relations, and more.

Specifically, the training covers the following areas:

• Laws of arrest, search and seizure
• Vehicle operations and control
• First aid and CPR techniques
• Domestic violence response
• Basic firearm usage and safety
• Traffic control and direction
• Handling disputes and confrontations
• Techniques for crowd control
• Radio communications protocols
• Additional topics per POST regulations

The introductory course under PC 832 must consist of a minimum of 664 hours of training. Some law enforcement agencies provide training well beyond this requirement to better prepare recruits before they enter the field.

POST Certification Is Critical

As mentioned, POST is the governing body that defines the curriculum and provides certification for the PC 832 introductory training courses across California. This state commission is responsible for continually reviewing and updating the content to align with current laws, technology, and best practices in the policing profession.

It’s important to note that POST sets not only training guidelines, but ethical standards for conduct and continuing education as well. Any prospective officers who wish to carry a badge and gun must complete POST-approved training. Otherwise, it would be unlawful for them to exercise peace officer duties or make arrests.

Ongoing Education Is Also Mandated

The training doesn’t stop once the PC 832 intro course is finished. Per PC 832.3, all officers in California must complete 24 hours of continuing professional training every two years. This helps them stay current on updated laws, refresh perishable skills like driving and shooting, and gain new competencies as policing practices evolve.

Some of the common recurring training topics include:

• Tactical firearms
• Defensive tactics and use of force
• De-escalation and crisis intervention
• First aid, CPR, and trauma care
• Handling mental health calls
• Addressing homelessness issues
• Countering terrorism and extremism
• Cultural diversity and bias awareness
• Leadership and ethics

What About Lateral Entry Officers?

For officers who have prior experience and training – perhaps working previously in another state – California does allow for “lateral entry” in some cases. These candidates still need to meet the minimum standards under PC 832, but they can potentially waive certain portions of academy training if their previous education and field experience is deemed equivalent.

To qualify for lateral entry, candidates typically must have worked recently as a full-time sworn officer, often for a minimum of two years. Their former training must map closely to California’s requirements and their service record should show effective conduct in the field.

Even then, laterals still need to learn state-specific laws and policies, so an abbreviated academy is usually required before they can hit the streets with a new California agency.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Given the critical public safety role of law enforcement, adherence to training requirements is taken very seriously. Failure to complete POST-approved PC 832 training means, quite simply, that an individual cannot serve as a peace officer in the state.

If someone were to work in law enforcement without proper certification, they could face criminal charges for impersonating a peace officer under California Penal Code Section 538d. The crime can be filed as either a misdemeanor or felony, punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment.

Additionally, any law enforcement agency allowing non-certified officers to work in the field could face civil liability. If an untrained officer engages in misconduct or negligent behavior that harms others, victims may have solid grounds for lawsuits claiming negligence in hiring or inadequate policies around training.

Training Sets the Foundation for the Job

While classroom lectures and textbook concepts aren’t always the most exciting parts of the job, training lays the groundwork empowering officers to act as competent public servants. Proper understanding of laws, safety tactics, equipment use and crisis response techniques helps prevent tragic outcomes in the high-stakes situations police routinely face.

In 2024 and beyond, confrontations seem to grow more complex with rising issues around homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Advanced training gives officers the tools and knowledge to safely de-escalate tensions and connect people with the appropriate community resources.

With public scrutiny on law enforcement never higher, the stakes around proper training continue rising as well. That’s why adherence to “best practice” standards from POST contributes to positive outcomes for all involved.