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POST workshops propose two-tier PC 832 introductory courses; colleges and legal counsel flag implementation questions
Summary
POST convened subject-matter workshops and is proposing two PCA 32 introductory tracks — a shorter arrest/basic introductory course and a broader limited‑peace‑officer course — plus separation of firearms training, but community colleges, presenters and legal staff said the changes raise capacity, financial‑aid and regulatory questions that will take more workshops and rulemaking to resolve.
POST staff told the advisory committee on March 4 that workshops with academies and subject-matter experts recommend expanding and splitting the PC 832 introductory course into two levels and separating firearms instruction from the arrest module.
In the workshops POST convened in January and February, trainers and stakeholders proposed: 1) a PCA 32 arrest basic introductory course for roles such as correctional officers, jail deputies, code enforcement and similar positions; and 2) a limited‑peace‑officer course for classifications such as park rangers, airport security and harbor patrol who operate under the supervision of a POST-participating agency. Staff and legal counsel also discussed separating the firearms component so agencies that arm certain classifications would require the firearm module in addition to the arrest/basic course.
Why it matters: Penal Code section 832 training is the legislatively defined introductory course that allows people described as peace officers to exercise specified powers in California. Changing the scope, hours or certification pathways affects who may be allowed to perform what duties, how agencies supervise those roles, and how training capacity is delivered statewide.
Key points from presenters and legal counsel - Carrie Holler, Basic Training Bureau chief, told the committee a workshop group including Cal Chiefs, Cal Sheriffs, probation, BSCC and other stakeholders agreed the current 40‑hour PCA 32 is “insufficient” for many roles and discussed adding content and hours. - The group recommended two levels: an "arrest/basic introductory" PCA 32 for some deputy/jail/corrections classifications and a higher "limited peace officer" PCA 32 for other classifications that nonetheless would fall short of the full regular basic (academy) course. - Toby Darden, Chief Legal Counsel, told the committee that POST can create multiple PC 832‑type introductory courses under the penal code because Penal Code section 832 covers the various classifications; he warned the agency will need careful regulation and policy choices about when a limited course suffices versus when the regular basic (academy) is required.
Implementation concerns raised by committee members - Capacity and access: Community college presenters told the committee they are concerned about creating multiple PCA 32 tracks because community colleges already face resource limits and federal/state financial-aid rules that can require 18‑unit minimums for certificates. One college representative asked whether a 15‑unit certificate mentioned in draft legislation would be adequate for financial aid; POST staff and committee members said this is an issue to be worked out with sponsors and the colleges. - Modular alignment: Several members urged that any changes to PCA 32 align with the modular basic format (Module 3/2/1) so reserve and limited training pathways remain consistent and avoid duplication or unintended gaps. - Supervision and powers: Legal counsel and staff said POST does not want to create stand‑alone agencies with limited training that function as independent police agencies; the suggested approach envisions limited‑training classifications operating under the supervision of a POST‑participating agency with clear restrictions on duties.
Next steps and timing - POST staff said the work is complex, will require additional workshops, and will likely extend into 2026 or 2027 to resolve curricular content, required hours, regulatory changes and presenter capacity. - The committee was asked for feedback as POST prepares regulatory language and further workshops; staff said any final changes would require commission approval and public rulemaking.
Selected direct attributions: comments above are drawn from Assistant Executive Director Jim Grokow, Carrie Holler (Basic Training Bureau), and Chief Legal Counsel Toby Darden during the March 4, 2025 advisory meeting.
