Frequently Asked Questions

• How frequently do you offer the Basic Law Enforcement Academy?
• How long is the academy?
• What are the days and hours of the academy?
• Where will the academy be held?
• How much will it cost to attend the academy?
• When do I pay my fees?
• What are the requirements to get into the academy?
• What steps do I take to get into the academy?
• Do I need a minimum P.O.S.T. T-score to be accepted into the academy?
• What is the difference between an affiliate and a non-affiliate cadet?
• How do I apply for the academy as a non-affiliate?

How frequently do you offer the Basic Law Enforcement Academy?

The academy is offered twice a year, starting in January and July.

How long is the academy?

The academy is 24 weeks.

What are the days and hours of the academy?

The academy is held Monday through Thursday, generally starting at 6:00 a.m. Some adjustments may be made for particular training such as EVOC (driving) or firearms training.

Where will the academy be held?

The academy is located at 2409 Dean Street, at McClellan Air Park. Firearms training is held at the Sacramento Police Department Range is located at 5436 Patrol Road, McClellan, CA 95652. Training for Emergency Vehicle Operations Course is held at the CHP Academy as well as the Sacramento Police Department’s driving course (Mather Airport).

How much will it cost to attend the academy?

The fee for the academy will cost approximately $2800. This is not including the cost for uniforms, physical training gear, boots and tactical equipment.

When do I pay my fees?

The fees for the academy will be paid in three installments. The first installment will be paid upon entry into the academy. The following installments will be paid at months three and five of the academy.

What are the requirements to get into the academy?

• Minimum 21 years old
• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• No felony convictions
• Minimum P.O.S.T. T-Score of 42
• Valid CA Driver’s License
• Proof of Medical Insurance

What steps do I take to get into the academy?

• Pass the P.O.S.T. Basic Academy Entrance Exam. Scores obtained within 3 years of the date of registration/application will be accepted.
• You will be notified if you have been accepted to the academy. You will receive detailed instructions on other steps that you need to take prior to starting the academy. Prior to receiving academy instructions, you will need to submit with your application the following: A copy of your DMV record, completed Personal History Statement (PHS), provide an electronic Live Scan of your fingerprints to the Department of Justice (DOJ), obtained uniforms, medical clearance, and insurance.

Do I need a minimum P.O.S.T. T-score to be accepted into the academy?

Yes. A minimum P.O.S.T. T-Score of 42 is required to be accepted into the SPD Academy.

What is the difference between an affiliate and a non-affiliate cadet?

The difference between an affiliate and a non-affiliate is sponsorship by an agency. An affiliated cadet is one that is hired by an agency prior to attending a police academy. This affiliated cadet is then ‘sponsored’ in the academy which means when they graduate, they will have a job with that respective agency. Generally, the background and all of the testing for hired position has already been completed prior to the start of the academy.

A non-affiliated cadet is one that pays his or her way through an academy with their own money. They are not sponsored by an agency and have not completed the hiring process (application, testing, background) with a particular agency. Upon completion of the police academy, the cadet can be hired by an agency. The non-affiliate option is often desirable for agencies because they don’t have the funding to put applicants through an academy. In other words, an applicant can sell themselves better because they have already completed the P.O.S.T. academy!

How do I apply for the academy as a non-affiliate?

Interested candidates should visit the Sacramento Police Academy Intensive Format Information page, call the Sacramento Police Department at (916) 808-0880, or inquire via email at police_recruiting@pd.cityofsacramento.org

Return to Sacramento Police Department Careers