Peace officers.

Assembly Member Irwin's peace officer education reform measure establishes new academic requirements for California law enforcement, mandating that officers obtain specified credentials within 36 months of receiving their basic certification. Starting January 1, 2031, peace officers must complete either an associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a modern policing degree, or a professional policing certificate.

The modern policing degree requires 60 semester units covering communications, psychology, writing, ethics, and criminal justice, while the professional certificate pathway demands 16 units in the same subjects. The bill allows coursework from police academy training to count toward these requirements and provides credit for relevant military and out-of-state law enforcement experience. Officers with four years of military service or out-of-state law enforcement experience are exempt, as are those employed as peace officers in California or enrolled in a basic academy by December 31, 2030.

The legislation also modifies the development process for the modern policing degree program, requiring the California Community Colleges Chancellor's office to consult with law enforcement stakeholders, university representatives, and community organizations. This advisory group must outline implementation plans that include provisions for prior experience credits and financial assistance options for students from historically underserved communities.