Criminal justice programs in Los Angeles, CA
22 schools within 30 miles of Los Angeles, CA offer police academy & criminal justice programs, and 3 are in Los Angeles itself. Police officers in California earn a median $118,880 a year, according to the BLS.
- Within 30 miles
- 22
- Closest
- 2 mi
- Public colleges
- 21
- Median pay in CA
- $118,880
What police officers earn in California
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
Police officer salary in CaliforniaHow to become a police officer
- Median pay
- $118,880
- $57.15 an hour
- Typical range
- $76,300–$153,190
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in CA
- 65,940
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +3.5%
- 51,500 openings a year (U.S.)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the closest police academy & criminal justice schools to Los Angeles?
The closest are West Los Angeles College (Culver City, 2 mi), Santa Monica College (Santa Monica, 3 mi), and Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (Los Angeles, 8 mi). In total, 22 schools within 30 miles teach police academy & criminal justice.
How much do police academy & criminal justice programs near Los Angeles cost?
For the 21 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $2,424 to $27,551. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.
How much do police officers make near Los Angeles?
Across California, the median pay is $118,880 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by employer, experience and certifications.
How do I choose a police academy & criminal justice school in Los Angeles?
Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.
Criminal justice programs in nearby cities
- Torrance (13 mi)
- Glendale (15 mi)
- Alhambra (16 mi)
- Downey (17 mi)
- Long Beach (22 mi)
- Simi Valley (26 mi)
- La Habra (27 mi)
- Santa Clarita (28 mi)
Other programs near Los Angeles
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