College of the Desert - Public Safety Academy

Overview of Public Safety Training

College of the Desert - Public Safety Academy (COD - PSA) offers well defined academic programs leading to degrees in Administration of Justice and Fire Technology. These programs are described on this website.

In our Administration of Justice Program, we are also in a training partnership with the Riverside Sheriff Department and most other Coachella Valley Law Enforcement agencies. We offer POST Certified - Basic Peace Officer Training in the Modular Format to permit a Cadet to obtain training to be a Full Time Peace Officer or Reserve Officer. We have a distinguished staff consisting of proficient and experienced law enforcement professionals.

In our Fire Technology Program, we are in a training partnership with the Riverside County Fire Department/CAL Fire, and the Palm Springs and Cathedral City Fire Departments. Students can obtain State Fire Marshall Certified Training. We hope to be offering the Basic Fire Fighter Training in the near future.

"We train to protect and serve"

Classes during the week are conducted from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. and on Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.. Class attendance is mandatory.

Classes completed may be used toward obtaining an Associate of Science Degree in Administration of Justice or Fire Technology at College of the Desert.

Peace Officer Training Program

What does it take to be a peace officer?

Not everyone is best suited to be a peace officer. To succeed as a professional law enforcement officer, you must be goal oriented, have a deep sense of responsibility and good self-image. Everyday, you must practice the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. Ordinary men and women start the journey each semester at the COD-PSA.

Not a job, but a life long and rewarding career that includes:
RESPONSIBILITY, HONOR & ACTION.

What does a peace officer do?

Preserves life, liberty, and justice	Apprehends offenders
Prevents crimes	Protects and helps the public
Investigates crimes	Ensures due process to all

Law Enforcement Code of Ethics

As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice.

I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn, or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of the welfare of others. Honest in thought and deed in both my personal and official life, I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and the regulations of my department. Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.

I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.

I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these objectives and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession. . . . . law enforcement.

Fire Fighter Training Program

What does it take to be a fire fighter?

Not everyone is cut out to be a firefighter—a career in the Fire Service takes time to achieve, and a commitment to do your best in order to succeed. But ordinary men and women, from all walks of life, start the journey every day. And you can, too.

To join the Fire Service you need to be:

Physically fit	Caring and compassionate
Disciplined and self-motivated	Willing to live and work as a team member
Ethical—your character matters!	Service Oriented

What does a fire fighter do?

Firefighters spend a lot of their time responding to emergencies, such as fighting fires or responding to calls for medical help, traffic accidents or hazardous material incidents. They also spend considerable time maintaining their vehicles and fire stations and work to increase their skills through training and drills. In addition, they educate the public about safety issues and conduct business inspections. They indeed “protect and serve.”

Fire Fighter Code of Conduct

As a Fire Fighter, my fundamental duty is to protect or save lives
and safeguard property in the service of my community. As a public employee, I will set a good example in all actions and deeds.

I will never use my position for personal gain, recognizing it as a symbol of public trust. I will constantly strive to achieve the high objectives and ideals of this department and shall conduct myself at all times, noth on and off duty, in such a manner as to reflect most favorably on the department.

I do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of the United States of America
and the constitution of The State of California. And I will respect, honor, obey and enforce the laws and ordinances of the jurisdiction in which I serve.

Today, I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith and I accept it as a public trust. And I hereby rededicate myself to the citizens and visitors of the Riverside County
to ensure their safety in the discharge of my duties.