California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training

Summary

The POST Commission (Cal. Penal Code §13500–13510.8) sets minimum recruitment and training standards for all California peace officers and, since SB 2 (2021), holds binding authority to revoke, suspend, or cancel peace officer certifications for serious misconduct including dishonesty, bias, physical abuse, sexual assault, and participation in law enforcement gangs. Its Division of Peace Officer Investigations may access otherwise-confidential criminal justice records including CLETS data. The commission has 15 members appointed by the Governor (Senate-confirmed, 3-year terms): 11 are sworn officers or law enforcement officials, 2 are elected government representatives, and 2 are public civilians, plus 2 additional non-officer appointees by legislative leaders.