California Commission approves new active shooter training curriculum for law enforcement academies

The Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) convened on June 4, 2025, to discuss significant updates to training protocols for California law enforcement, particularly focusing on a new learning domain addressing active shooter scenarios. This initiative comes in response to the pressing need for enhanced preparedness in the face of increasing incidents of mass violence.

During the meeting, LEC Brandon Kiley presented the proposal for Learning Domain 44, which was piloted at various basic academies across the state. The pilot program, completed in December 2024, involved collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol and several county sheriff departments. Feedback from both instructors and students was collected through questionnaires, validating the training's effectiveness in covering essential content.

The proposed curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and rapid response tactics, allowing officers to assess situations and determine appropriate actions in active shooter scenarios. The training includes solo and team movement exercises, designed to prepare officers for real-world applications. Notably, this new learning domain will add 16 hours of training to the basic academy curriculum, with no existing training being removed to accommodate this addition.

Commissioner Nieto expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of this training in light of recent tragic events. However, concerns were raised regarding the consistency of instructor qualifications across different academies. The commission discussed the need for uniformity in training, especially when multiple agencies respond to incidents.

Another key topic addressed was the proposed amendment to regulation 10 O 6, which would allow course presenters, in addition to law enforcement departments, to request extensions for course completion. This change aims to support both department-sponsored and non-sponsored students, ensuring that all trainees have the opportunity to complete their required training despite unforeseen circumstances.

The commission unanimously approved the proposed changes, reflecting a commitment to enhancing law enforcement training standards in California. As these initiatives move forward, the POST aims to ensure that officers are better equipped to handle critical incidents, ultimately enhancing public safety across the state.