What Is it Like in the Police Academy?
The police academy is the beginning of the indoctrination process of becoming a law enforcement officer. The law enforcement academy is a serious commitment that will test you mentally, physically and emotionally. During the course of the academy, the tactical staff's mission is to gauge your suitability for police work through strenuous testing and stress induction.
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Education
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Police powers are granted to law enforcement officers by state laws. Each state's penal/criminal laws are distinct, so the education you will receive will vary slightly by state and academy. One of the objectives of the academy staff (also known as tactical officers) is to inculcate you about laws relevant to the work of law enforcement. You will be instructed how the law empowers you, what is acceptable in the eyes of the law, and what conduct is unacceptable according to the law.
Your education will also consist of practical police instruction. Generally, you will be taught how to think like a police officer as well as be trained in department policy.
Weapons Instruction
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Police academy weapons training includes instruction on the proper use of firearms, batons or asps, handcuffs, pepper spray usage, unarmed combat and possible TASER, flashbang or other special weapons training. You will also be trained on the tactical usage of each weapon and how to determine the appropriate level of force to be used in a given hostile situation. Numerous hours will be spent developing proficiency with the weapons your law enforcement agency sanctions. It is recommended that additional time be allocated to honing weapons skills on your own.
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Scenarios
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After receiving academic knowledge in a classroom setting, you will be tested upon the lessons you have learned, and the tactical staff will evaluate your performance. The tactical staff is not expecting you to perform like a seasoned veteran officer during these scenarios. Instead, they are assessing whether you have a basic understanding of the minimum actions that must be taken to resolve the problem at hand.
Physical Training
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Academy staff are seeking to expand your physical limitations by pushing you far beyond your comfort zone. Push-ups, long distance running and weight training account for only a portion of the physical activities you will experience in the Academy. The goal will be to increase endurance and strength. You may also be required to perform an aquatic rescue exam.
Tips for Success
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During the "Meet and Greet" (the first day at the Academy), a barrage of tactical officers will verbally maul and assail you upon first sight. The key to minimizing the amount of attention you receive is to remain calm and do exactly as they say. If you are standing at attention, make sure you are standing straight and looking forward at all times. Never look them in the eye. Always begin a sentence with "Sir" or "Ma'am" and end the sentence with the appropriate title.
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