Police Academy FAQ

What are the entrance requirements?

General Entrance Requirements for the Academy

(Each agency has its own specific requirements)

• United States citizen or permanent resident alien who is eligible and has applied for U.S. citizenship prior to application for employment.
• Minimum age for Academy acceptance is 21. You must be 21 years of age to purchase a firearm and to be hired by an agency; there is no maximum age limit.
• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Valid California Class C (Class 3) driver's license.
• Lack of a felony (or certain misdemeanors) record or outstanding warrants.
• Written test, Physical Agility test and Medical Examination.
• Academy Physical Training Preparation
• DOJ Clearance Letter (PDF Document)

To be successful as a participant in the San Diego Regional Academy you will be expected to arrive with a base level of fitness. The Academy Physical Training program is 24 weeks long with Physical Training Sessions 2–3 times per week. Physical training will consist of speed and distance running, weight training and circuit training. You will be required to pass a Work Sample Test Battery consisting of an obstacle course, dummy drag, 6 foot wall climbs and a timed run.

At a minimum you should be able to continuously run for 3 miles in 27 minutes or less (9 minute per mile pace or faster), you should be able to perform multiple sets of 20–25 pushups and sit ups. If you have not been training you should start immediately. Begin running 2–3 times per week gradually increasing the distance until you can run 3 miles continuously. Once you have achieved a 3 mile run gradually increase your intensity until you can complete the run in 24 minutes or less. One of your weekly runs should consist of hill, stair or interval training. Additionally you should do sets of pushups and sit ups 2–3 times per day focusing on full range of motion for each.

Taking the time to adequately prepare for the Academy will increase your chance of being successful while greatly decreasing the chance of injury while in the Academy.

How can I attend the Academy?

Methods of attending the Academy

Contacting an agency in which you are interested in working with and enter the hiring process. Many agencies sponsor their recruits through the Academy with immediate employment following Academy graduation. Each agency maintains their own employment requirements. For their specific employment requirements, please contact the agency's Recruiting Office.

You may enter the Academy un-sponsored by an agency (you finance yourself through the Academy). Enroll with Miramar College's Admissions Office in K1-207 (619)388-7575 as an open enrollment student. Your name is placed on a testing list to fulfill the required Academy entrance requirements. Students are chosen from an eligibility list to fill available spaces in each Academy class. Open enrollment students are required to obtain DOJ clearance (Live Scan) prior to the start of the academy. 

Livescan services are available at San Diego Community College District College Police Department: Live Scan Services 1536 Frazee Road, 1st Floor, San Diego, CA 92108 Appointments recommended: (619) 388-6416. Total Live Scan fees are $72.

What does it cost to attend the SDRPSTI?

Academy Costs

California Resident tuition fee for the San Diego Regional Public Safety at Miramar College is $46 per unit. The Academy is 24 units, therefore tuition is $1,104.

Non-Residents of California tuition fee is $307 per unit for 24 units in addition to the enrollment fee; therefore tuition fee is $7,368 + $1,104, totaling $8,472. Miramar College Residency Office is located in K1-207, (619) 388-7573.

Each student will also be required to have uniforms, supplies, and equipment for academy training purposes (approx. $2,000.00). All students will be charged $20.00 for a mandatory health and accident fee per semester. Financial Aid and VA Benefits are available for those who qualify. Contact the Miramar College Financial Aid Office in K1-312 (619) 388-7864, or the VA Office in K1-207 (619) 388-7862 for further information.

How can I contact the agencies served by the SDRPSTI?