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Three Aims Peace Officer Academy graduates wearing uniforms with caps are smiling together during their graduation ceremony

Next Steps

This program has a multi-step application process.

How to Apply

Do you have questions?

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Degree at a Glance

Degree Type

Career & Technical Degree

Location

Windsor Campus

Credits

34

Tuition*

In-District
$2,965
Out-of-District
$4,495
WUE
$6,952
Out of State
$16,021

*Check Cashier's Office for current tuition rates

Related Links

Peace Officer Academy

Related Resources

Peace Officer Academy

Peace Officer AcademyRequirements

Basic Peace Officer Academy Requirements

Take the next step toward becoming a police officer by earning a police academy certificate from Aims. In just one semester, you'll gain essential law enforcement skills such as arrest control, emergency vehicle operation and investigative techniques to prepare you for the demands of the field.

The Aims Basic Peace Officer Academy Certificate program is accredited by the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board. The academy prepares you to take the POST certification exam, which is required to become a certified peace officer in Colorado.

This certificate can be earned in one (full-time) or two (part-time) semesters.

Note: The one-semester (full-time) Basic Peace Officer Academy Certificate is not eligible for financial aid.

How to Apply to the Aims Police Academy

Visit the Peace Officer Academy Application page for details on how to apply to the program.

Important Enrollment Information

The Aims Peace Officer Academy is currently open only to sponsored cadets.

A sponsored cadet has been hired or formally endorsed by a law enforcement agency to attend the academy on that agency’s behalf. 

We are not accepting non-sponsored (self-pay) applicants at this time.

A Note About the Program Requirements Listed Below

As a POST-authorized academy, curriculum and enrollment are governed by POST requirements and subject to the discretion of the Academy Director.

Program Requirements:

  • Conforms to POST standards and Colorado state certification requirements as well as the basic skills and knowledge necessary to perform the entry level duties of a peace officer. Emphasis will be on simulating actual situations utilizing both a lecture and laboratory mode of learning. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Permission of Academy Director is required
    6
  • Enhances the standards established by the Colorado P.O.S.T. Board and state certification requirements as well as the basic skills and knowledge necessary to perform the entry level duties of a Police Officer. Emphasis will be on expanding the Colorado P.O.S.T. curriculum to create a unique learning experience. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Permission of Academy Director is required
    2
  • Enhances the standards established by the Colorado P.O.S.T. Board and state certification requirements as well as the basic skills and knowledge necessary to perform entry level duties of a Police Officer. Emphasis will be on expanding the Colorado P.O.S.T. curriculum to create a unique learning experience. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Permission of Academy Director is required
    1
  • Exploration of the skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to effectively maintain control of a suspect when making an arrest. Explains the continuum of force and de-escalation of force. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Permission of Academy Director is required
    3
  • Exploration of the skills, knowledge and abilities required for operation of a law enforcement vehicle. Emphasizes defensive driving. Enables students to demonstrate skills by driving a vehicle under simulated conditions. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Permission of Academy Director is required
    3
  • Discusses the skills, knowledge and abilities necessary to safely use police firearms. Students will demonstrate skills by firing weapons on a firing range. The student will demonstrate basic safety techniques and will be able to explain the firearms role within the continuum of force. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Permission of Academy Director is required
    3
  • Identifies the areas of concern in regards to proper documentation of police related activities. Exploration of report writing skills, proper structuring of interviews and chronological documentation of events. Incorporates proper sentence structuring, the use of correct terminology and accuracy in written reports. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Permission of Academy Director is required
    3
  • Exploration of an in-depth study of the basic knowledge and skills required of a peace officer to safely and effectively accomplish patrol procedures. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Permission of Academy Director is required
    3
  • Introduces investigation methods and procedures from preliminary investigation through the follow-up stages. Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Permission of Academy Director is required
    3
  • Exploration of the skills and concepts necessary to complete an accurate investigation of a traffic collision. Emphasizes traffic management concepts, selective traffic enforcement, and safety issues. . Course is not repeatable for credit.
    Course Prerequisites
    Permission of Academy Director is required
    3
  • Exploration of an in-depth study of the basic knowledge and skills required of a peace officer to safely and effectively accomplish the patrol function. Course is not repeatable for credit.  
    Course Prerequisites
    Permission of Academy Director is required
    2
  • Focuses on providing information and guidelines for moving toward a more healthy lifestyle. Includes classroom instruction, an individual fitness evaluation, computerized analysis of results, and a prescribed exercise program utilizing the equipment and exercise options available in the Fitness Center. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    1
  • Offers an independent self-paced format of conditioning exercises to meet individual needs. Emphasizes the value of lifetime fitness and its contribution to achieving personal health and wellness. Students utilize cardiorespiratory, muscular strength and endurance exercises to promote positive changes in health-related fitness components. Course is repeatable for credit with no limitations.
    1
Total Credits for Certificate 34