Peace officers.

Assembly Member Irwin's peace officer education reform proposal establishes new qualification requirements for California law enforcement officers while creating mechanisms to support recruitment and professional development. Beginning January 1, 2031, peace officers must obtain specified educational credentials within 36 months of receiving their basic certification, choosing from options that include an associate's or bachelor's degree, military service, out-of-state law enforcement experience, or completion of new specialized policing programs.

The legislation outlines two new educational pathways: a 60-unit modern policing degree and a 15-unit professional policing certificate. Both programs incorporate coursework in communications, psychology, writing, ethics, and criminal justice. The bill allows credits from POST-certified academy training to count toward these requirements. Officers enrolled in a basic academy or employed by California public agencies as of December 31, 2030, are exempt from the new standards.

To support implementation, the bill creates a Statewide Law Enforcement Recruitment Task Force comprising representatives from sheriff's departments, police agencies, the California Highway Patrol, and other law enforcement organizations. The Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, advised by law enforcement stakeholders, educational institutions, and community organizations, must develop the modern policing degree curriculum. The legislation also calls for recommendations on financial assistance programs for candidates from historically underserved communities pursuing law enforcement careers.