Police Academy: What to Expect

When a police department offers youa position, the next step is to attend the police academy.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to expect during the time you spend there:

Duration of the Training

Requirements vary from state to state and even from academy to academy, but it usually takes around sixmonths for training to be completed.

Cost of the Training

Candidates often wonder if they’d have to pay for the training they receive at the academy.

However, the answer is no. Since this training is considered an essential requirement of their job as a police officer, candidates do not need to pay for their training.

Furthermore, during the training period, candidates continue to receive their full starting salary.

However, people who join the academy without receiving a job offer will be required to pay tuition.

Types of Police Academies

There are different types of police academies.

The major ones include official state police academies, whereas candidates can also enroll in independent, approved police academies that may be conducted at a local education facility.

Lastly, some academies require students to live on campus during the week for the duration of the training, whereas others allow their students to live at home and attend classes for a fixed number of hours every day.

Classes and Tests

Every police academy has a specific curriculum revolving around core theoretical classes and practical, hands-on training.

Students study subjects like computer skills, investigation, report-writing, and state law. They’re also trained in first aid, driving, combat skills, and firearm usage.

Each academy also has tests built into the curriculum to assess their students’ knowledge and grasp what they’re being taught. Depending on the academy’s requirements, recruits must score a minimum of 70% to 80% or better on each test.

Different Kinds of Testing

The coursework at a police academy includes running drills and a variety of physical exercisesand training.

Lastly, a test of endurance, agility, and strength is a requirement for graduation. This test usually includes an obstacle course, fence climbing, simulated foot chases, and vertical jumps, to name a few.

What Happens After Graduation?

Once a recruit graduates from the policeacademy, they become a certified police officer. They’ll then have to complete a field training program with a senior, experienced police officer before they can officially start police work on their own.

 

About Civil Service Success

Since the 1960s, the private tutoring company Civil Service Success has prepared candidates for theSuffolk Police Test.

Candidates hoping to join the Suffolk County police New York City or about to register for theSuffolk County civil service testcan benefit from their expertly designed courses and materials.

Visit their website for more information.