Peace officers.

Existing law requires the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training to establish a certification program for specified peace officers, including officers of the Department of the California Highway Patrol. Existing law requires the commission to establish, among others, basic certificates for the purpose of fostering the education and experience necessary to perform general police service duties. Existing law requires certificates to be awarded on the basis of a combination of training, education, experience, and other prerequisites, as determined by the commission. Existing law requires the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, in consultation with specified entities, to develop a modern policing degree program and to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature by no later than June 1, 2023, outlining a plan to implement the program. Existing law requires peace officers in this state to meet specified minimum standards, including age and education requirements. This bill would require a peace officer who is hired on or after January 1, 2029, to attain a modern policing degree, as specified, or a bachelor's or other advanced degree from an accredited college or university within 36 months of commencing their employment as a peace officer. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.