CA Police Chiefs Association Statement Education Bill

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) introduced AB 992, which will clarify the elevated education requirements for California law enforcement. Sponsored by the California Police Chiefs Association, California State Sheriffs’ Association, and the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), AB 992 will create multiple higher education pathways towards a career in law enforcement, while focusing on recruiting the next generation of California’s peace officers.

“Public safety is core to Californians’ quality of life, so ensuring we have officers who have completed thorough preparation is of critical importance,” shared Assembly Member Irwin. “I am excited to carry this legislation supporting multiple pathways that will lead to better experiences for officers and our community members throughout California.”

“As police chiefs, we want to hire individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in a modern policing environment, and that requires more education than ever before,” states Tracy Avelar, President of the California Police Chiefs Association.

AB 992 is the necessary next step in enacting the statewide education requirements for law enforcement, following the release in 2023 of recommendations made by a working group of police chiefs, sheriffs, higher education professionals, and other stakeholders, as directed by prior legislation. While the working group recommendations focused on one specific pathway – the creation of a modern policing degree – AB 992 looks to broaden the opportunities to satisfy higher education requirements, including through various associates’ degrees, professional certificates, prior military experience, and others. Additionally, AB 992 would establish a statewide task force focused on recruitment efforts across the state.

“The goal of AB 992 is to clarify the elevated education requirements for the policing profession in a way that is meaningful and more achievable, while not impeding our recruitment efforts,” states Sheriff Don Barnes, President of the California State Sheriffs’ Association.  “The current mandate requiring a separate degree in addition to a bachelor’s degree is both unnecessary and duplicative.”

“Public safety is a core mission of government and attracting the best and brightest to protect our communities is essential. This legislation builds on our 2023 working group findings by creating multiple pathways to service, ensuring we can recruit exceptional candidates from all backgrounds while maintaining the highest standards of excellence in our law enforcement workforce,” stated Brian R. Marvel, President, PORAC.

AB 992 will be referred next to the appropriate policy committee in the Assembly and set for a hearing in the coming months.