SBVC Graduates Class 42 of the Extended Basic Police Academy
After 950 hours of comprehensive training, Class 42 of the San Bernardino Valley College Extended Basic Police Academy graduated on June 29, with every member well-prepared and ready to serve.
Oner of the college’s most well-known programs, the Extended Academy is for working students who need to have flexibility when it comes to classes, and every graduate held down a full-time job during the 52-week course. Four trainees did not miss a single day, and several have already accepted employment offers with the San Bernardino Community College District Police Department, Upland Police Department, Patton Police Department, Irwindale Police Department, and San Bernardino City Unified School District. As they set out on their new careers, Police Academy Director Paul Dennis hopes that they continue to expand their knowledge in the classroom. "I encourage each of our graduates to be committed to lifelong learning," he said. "Higher education is an essential ingredient to successfully navigating the challenges of a law enforcement career.
"In order to graduate from the program, students must take classes on and show proficiency in community oriented policing concepts, cultural diversity, criminal law, investigations, emergency vehicle operations, first aid/CPR, communications, firearms training, and arrest and control techniques. State and local law enforcement agencies are represented in the program, with students also receiving training from "professional experts that have decades of experience within the judicial and corrections branches of our system," Dennis said.
SBVC's Extended Academy is certified through the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), allowing graduates to go on to work at law enforcement agencies across the region. Anyone interested in becoming a police officer who wants to learn more about the academy is encouraged to visit North Hall and meet with Dennis and his team. "We would be delighted to speak with you about the program and assist in helping you identify if this profession is for you," he said. "The Extended Academy is the perfect program for anyone seeking to enter the law enforcement profession. Our evening classes afford the opportunity to continue to maintain employment while attending classes in the evening and on Saturdays."
