Basic Academy
Each member of the San Francisco Police Department commits to excellence in law enforcement and dedicates themselves to serving the people of our City with just, transparent, unbiased and responsive policing. That commitment begins at the SFPD Regional Training Center Basic Academy, where our instructors provide all possible assistance to each recruit in order to ensure their success in the Academy, the Field Training Program, and throughout their career.
The Academy experience begins with an orientation session the week before the start of instruction. Recruits are introduced to the training staff, the facility, and department rules and regulations.
On the first day of class, recruits are expected to be in their uniforms and in a military formation for inspection by the recruit training officers. Following the inspection, recruits are welcomed by the Chief of Police, the Commanding Officer of the Training Division, the Academy Director, and the Academy Coordinator.
During the 34 week-long Basic Academy, recruits will receive instruction covering the following topics:
Military Drills | First Aid/Basic Life Support |
Stress Management | POST Physical Training Program |
Ethics | POST Work Sample Test Battery examination |
Team Building and Confidence Course | Impact Weapons Use of Force examination |
Criminal Justice System, Introduction to Criminal Law, and Leadership | Firearm Proficiency |
Physical Training and Defensive Tactics | Court Case and Testimony Proficiency |
Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines | Crowd Control |
Emergency Vehicle Operations and Control (EVOC) | Daily Observation Report Evaluation Program |
Report Writing | First Responders in Weapons of Mass Destruction Hazmat Situations |
Simulations and Scenarios | Basic Accident Investigation Instruction |
Chemical Agent instruction | Active Shooter and High Rise Critical Incident Response |
Crisis Intervention | “7 Habits of Law Enforcement” Leadership Course |
Following graduation, newly sworn SFPD officers will begin a 16-week field-training program under the supervision Field Training Officers at various district stations.