Public Safety Education & Training Center
Serve and protect with confidence through Butte College's Public Safety Academies. Our rigorous, real-world training programs prepare future law enforcement officers, firefighters, and park rangers with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in their communities. Students interested in leadership roles can transfer to a university for a degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, or Fire Science.
Programs
Goal
CareerLength
1-2 yearsFlexibility
- Main Campus
Certificate of Achievement in Firefighter I and II Academy
The Firefighter I and II Academy is a 20-week, full-time program offered each fall and spring and accredited by the California State Fire Marshal and the State Board of Fire Services as an Accredited Regional Fire Academy. Recognized as one of the premier academies in the country, it prepares students for entry-level firefighter employment and exceeds the requirements of most California fire agencies, which typically mandate both a CSFM Firefighter I certificate and EMT-Basic certification. The Firefighter II component further develops the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to meet California State Fire Marshal IFSAC/PROBOARD certification standards, enhancing graduatesā employment opportunities. Cadets also complete more than 100 hours of physical conditioning and agility training with certified instructors to prepare for the demanding fire service physical entry tests. Students may also choose to pursue an Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement in Fire Technology (see Administration of Justice & Fire Technology).
Flexibility
The Firefighter Academy requires you to complete your core coursework at Main Campus, where it's reliably offered. If your degree path includes general education requirements, the Chico Center, Glenn Center, and Online can help you fulfill those, but they won't cover the required firefighter coursework itself. A counselor can help you map out the right schedule for your situation.
Goal
Career or TransferLength
1.5-2 yearsFlexibility
- Main Campus
Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement Law Enforcement Academy-Basic
The Law Enforcement Academy program prepares students to meet entry-level requirements for employment in the law enforcement profession. The curriculum provides the foundation for careers in a variety of agencies and includes instruction in the 42 areas designated by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). The Basic Law Enforcement Academy begins in July and January, and students completing the program are qualified to apply for entry-level law enforcement positions throughout California. For students pursuing the AS degree, employable skills are developed in conjunction with general education requirements. Admission is by special application only and includes meeting POST exam standards, demonstrating physical fitness, and providing a California Department of Justice clearance confirming firearm eligibility.
Flexibility
Both the degree and certificate in this cluster require you to be at Main Campus, where the core Law Enforcement Academy coursework reliably runs. The Chico Center, Glenn Center, and Online can help with general education requirements, but they aren't reliable options for completing the required academy coursework itself. Since offerings can shift over time, meet with a counselor to plan your schedule.
Goal
Career or TransferLength
2-2.5 yearsFlexibility
- Main Campus
Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement Law Enforcement Academy-Basic/Fish and Wildlife
The Law Enforcement Academy with a Fish and Wildlife emphasis prepares students for entry-level employment in law enforcement, with additional focus on laws and regulations enforced by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The curriculum provides broad training for a variety of agencies and includes the 42 areas of instruction designated by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Students who complete the academy with this emphasis are qualified to apply for entry-level positions, including those with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. For the AS degree, employable skills are developed in conjunction with general education requirements. Admission is by special application only and includes meeting POST exam standards, demonstrating physical fitness, and providing a California Department of Justice clearance confirming firearm eligibility.
Flexibility
The programs in this cluster require their major coursework at Main Campus, where core classes run reliably. Your general education requirements offer more flexibility and can be completed at Main Campus, the Chico Center, Glenn Center, or online, depending on what works best for your schedule.
Goal
Career or TransferLength
1.5-2.5 yearsFlexibility
- Main Campus
Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement in Law Enforcement Academy - Basic/State Parks
The Law Enforcement Academy program with a State Parks emphasis is designed to prepare students to meet entry-level requirements for law enforcement positions in general and for the California Department of Parks and Recreation specifically. The curriculum provides broad training to support careers in a variety of law enforcement agencies while placing additional emphasis on laws and regulations regularly enforced by the Department of Parks and Recreation. For students pursuing the AS degree, employable skills are developed in conjunction with general education requirements. Satisfactory completion of the Butte College Basic Law Enforcement Academy with a State Parks emphasis meets the 42 Learning Domain requirements established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and qualifies graduates to apply for entry-level peace officer positions.
Flexibility
Both the degree and certificate in this cluster require you to be at Main Campus, where the core Law Enforcement Academy coursework reliably runs. The Chico Center, Glenn Center, and Online can help you complete general education requirements, but they don't reliably offer the core courses needed to finish either program. Since course offerings can shift from term to term, meet with a counselor to map out your schedule.
Full Time Faculty
Associate Faculty
Department Contacts
Office: AHPS 144
Department phone: (530) 895-2405
Contact phone: (530) 895-2405
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