The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Training Unit is responsible for planning, scheduling, preparing, conducting, maintaining and coordinating initial and continual training for all sworn deputy sheriffs and correctional personnel. It is the primary liaison with (POST) California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training as well as (STC) California Board of State and Community Corrections.
In a continuing effort to improve the skills of our employees, the Training Unit offers a variety of training topics which are both state and department mandated. This training includes Firearms, Defensive Tactics, First Aid/CPR and Vehicle Operations. The Training Unit also provides a variety of specialized training tailored to both Correctional Officers and Deputy Sheriff’s. Our instructors conduct a regional Correctional Academy and assist other regional Police Academies in providing classes which can also be attended by other law enforcement officers from other agencies. In addition we coordinate with guest instructors and speakers who are experts in their fields to offer training sessions and seminars to better enhance the skills and knowledge base of our staff.
The Training Unit is staffed by instructors who are Correctional Officers and Deputy Sheriff’s within the department. These instructors are certified through the State of California and are well known professionals in their field. The Training Unit staff is dedicated in assisting the Sheriff in providing the citizens of Fresno County with the highest qualified Deputies and Correctional Officers and to improve the professional standards of all Sheriff’s Office employees.
Uniform Field Reserves
The Fresno County Sheriff's Office maintains a Uniform Field Reserve (UFR) Unit. These qualified reserve deputy sheriffs are certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to perform peace officer functions while on-duty. The UFR Unit is comprised of more than 30 reserve deputy sheriff men and women assigned to augment various bureaus throughout the agency.
Sheriff's Academy
Fresno County Sheriff’s Modular Academy
Program Overview
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Modular Academy offers a step‑by‑step training pathway for individuals pursuing a career in law enforcement. Training is divided into three modules—Module III, Module II, and Module I—each representing a higher level of responsibility, authority and skill.
Although the modules are numbered I, II, and III, they must be completed in reverse order, beginning with Module III and ending with Module I.
Module III (3) – Entry‑Level Training
Introduces foundational law enforcement skills, including basic concepts, defensive tactics, professionalism and legal principles.
Qualifies graduates to serve as Level III Reserve Peace Officers, performing limited support duties under supervision.
Class Schedule:
● Monday & Wednesday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
● Saturday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Module II (2) – Intermediate Training
Builds on Module III with more advanced instruction in criminal law, investigations, tactical communication and field operations.
Qualifies graduates to serve as Level II Reserve Peace Officers, able to perform a wider range of duties, including supervised patrol.
Class Schedule:
● Monday & Wednesday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
● Saturday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Module I (1) – Advanced Training
The highest level of the Modular Academy, equivalent to the Regular Basic Course. Includes advanced firearms, emergency vehicle operations, report writing and scenario‑based training.
Completion qualifies individuals to become full‑time Peace Officers in California, pending all hiring and background requirements.
Class Schedule:
● Monday–Friday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
● Some evenings and weekends as required
Prerequisites for all modules
Applicants must meet the following:
● Minimum age: 18 years old
● Valid California Driver’s License
● High school diploma or G.E.D.
● Successful completion of the application process
● Physical medical clearance
● Department of Justice (DOJ) clearance for POST training within 90 days
● POST Training Profile showing completion of any POST modules within the last 36 months if applicable
● For Module I applicants: Passing Module II End‑of‑Course Proficiency Test within the last 12 months
Additional Requirements for Affiliated / Sponsored Cadets
● Sponsorship letter on department letterhead
● DOJ clearance on file with the agency
● Medical clearance for essential law enforcement functions
● Tuition billed directly to the agency
Application Process
1. Complete the Sheriff’s Academy Application
2. Oral interview (unaffiliated applicants only)
3. Obtain medical clearance
4. Submit DOJ clearance (including firearms eligibility)
5. Receive Academy Letter of Acceptance
6. Pay tuition in full
Tuition Costs
● Module III: $1,062
● Module II: $1,173
● Module I: $2,409
Additional costs apply for uniforms, equipment and required items.
Unaffiliated cadets must supply their own duty gear, firearm and ammunition.
Required Equipment
Duty Gear (All Cadets)
● “Sam Browne” style duty belt
● Leather basket‑weave inner belt
● Holster
● Magazine pouch (minimum 3 magazines)
● Expandable baton holder
● Handcuff case
● Pepper spray holder
● Radio holder
All duty gear must match in color and style.
Affiliated cadets must follow their agency’s policy.
Weapon Requirements
● High‑quality semi‑automatic pistol in excellent condition
● Acceptable calibers: 9mm, .40, .45
● Minimum three magazines
● Must comply with Penal Code 12125–12133
● Must appear on the California DOJ handgun roster
Upcoming Academy Dates
● Module III: August – December
● Module II: January – May
● Module I: May – August
Exact dates and schedules are provided upon acceptance.
Important Notice
Completion of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Modular Academy does not guarantee employment with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office or any other law enforcement agency. Candidates must undergo a separate hiring process required for employment.
Apply
Interested individuals may apply by clicking here: Fresno County Sheriff’s Academy Application
For questions, contact the Training Unit at:
Academy Class
