Recent SemestersFall 2026, Spring 2026Class Size24 studentsCredits1PrerequisiteA California Peace Officer Standards and Training Basic Course certificate issued from an accredited regional police academy or equivalent as determined by the division Dean or their appointee. These skills and knowledge base are listed in Entrance Skill of this course. Must be able to demonstrate physical ability to use a firearm in a safe manner. Must obtain a Department of Justice clearance for firearms possession prior to entering a POST approved course. NOTE: Approval of equivalent training is not a guarantee state regulatory or licensing agencies will also grant equivalency. Prior to beginning this course students must already be familiar with, and be able to demonstrate, all of the skills listed below. These will not be taught in the course; rather, they will be the starting point for advanced student training that builds upon them. These minimum skill levels are: Knowledge of proper and safe firearms handling; ability to achieve a qualifying score during hand gun shooting; ability to achieve a qualifying score during shotgun training; ability to achieve a qualifying score during AR 15 shooting; knowledge of proper and safe tactical movement; knowledge of, and familiarity with sustained physical performance demands on law enforcement officers under emergency and stressful situations; knowledge of proper weapons transitioning techniques; knowledge of proper and safe handling and use of nonlethal weapons; knowledge of, and familiarity with, California Penal codes used in law enforcement related to firearms carry laws; knowledge of effective verbal communication used in law enforcement pertaining to use of force warnings; knowledge of, and familiarity with, case law pertinent to law enforcement shootings; ability to perform CPR and First Aid techniques Transfers ToNot transferableDescriptionThis 40-hour course will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to teach basic pistol and shotgun fundamentals to personnel. Students will develop knowledge in practices and philosophy of use of deadly force with a firearm, basic principles and concepts of pistol/shotgun deployment, vicarious liability, and legal issues. Students will develop skills in course development, class planning, instructional techniques, and instructor liability for a pistol/shotgun tactics program. Students will complete teach backs of taught course objectives to other class participants daily. Students will demonstrate proficiency in basic pistol/shotgun fundamentals and weapon nomenclature. Completion of this Basic Pistol and Shotgun Instructor Course satisfies POST Regulation 1070.Usually HeldMon Tue Wed Thu Fri 1:00pm–4:50pm, Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 8:00am–11:50am 