California Wants New Education Requirements for Police Officers. Are They Watered Down?

July 9, 2025

California's police education standards, initially proposed in 2020 following George Floyd's murder, are being revisited through Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin's new bill that would require incoming officers to obtain a policing certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree by 2031, with certain exceptions. The legislation represents a compromise between the original reform vision of former Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, who sought stricter education requirements, and concerns from law enforcement agencies about exacerbating current staffing shortages. While the bill has gained widespread support from law enforcement groups, Jones-Sawyer and some policing experts criticize its exceptions for military experience and out-of-state law enforcement experience as undermining the original intent of improving officer decision-making and reducing use of force.

Who is affected

Prospective police officers, particularly those aged 18-25 who would need to meet new education requirements
Current police departments facing staffing shortages across California
Rural communities like Plumas County that already struggle with police coverage
California residents who receive police services
College-age individuals considering law enforcement careers
Military veterans and out-of-state officers who would qualify for exceptions
Police academies and educational institutions that will need to develop curriculum

What action is being taken

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin is proposing legislation to establish new education standards for police officers
Law enforcement agencies are offering bonuses and incentives to recruit officers amid staffing shortages
Some departments are giving record-breaking raises to attract and retain personnel
The bill is moving through the California Legislature with widespread support from law enforcement groups
A law enforcement recruitment task force is being created to identify and recruit candidates

Why it matters

Research shows college-educated officers tend to use less force and exercise better decision-making
The bill represents a significant shift in police training requirements in California
Current staffing shortages impact public safety, with some rural areas having limited police coverage
The education requirements could limit the applicant pool for police positions
The exceptions in the bill may undermine the original reform intent to improve policing
Police hiring standards directly impact how officers interact with communities
The legislation attempts to balance improving officer quality with addressing recruitment challenges

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint