Ready for the police academy???

Question

OK, I am in the miltary (Army National GUard 2 tours to Iraq and yes very proud of it!) and I have just finished a mission on the border of Texas and Mexico (Operation Jump Start). I want to enter the police academy (here in Texas) and I am confused: there are two academies that compete with each other. The one academy in the town I live in, focuses more on the paper part/learning and less on the physcial part of the job while the academy in the neighboring town focuses more onthe physical part and less on the paper part/learning part. Both have faults and advantages but I am unsure: I have an associates in criminal justice but I am wanting to be good at my job and I am unsure which part I should favor. I don't want to make too many mistaks but I also don't want to be unprepared! BTW, the towns I speak of are Midland and Odessa, TX (MIdland has the bootcamp tpye school and Odessa has the "classroom" type school)

Answer 1

Call local depts and see which one they prefer. Texas P.O.S.T. has a minimum standards as far as running and how much physical stuff you do. I can't see really how one focuses on the other. I think whoever told you this is full of it. No such thing as an academy NOT doing anything physical.

Answer 2

Well first off a big thank you for serving our country...Go Guard lol!!! I personally think that Academies that focus on the more Classroom part are better because its shows your willing to learn and advance faster..Don't get me wrong the physical part is important as well. You should do what you feel is your strength..If you are very physical then there you go. Odessa as far as I heard from a buddy who went there is very hands on. And willing to help you in anyway possible.

Answer 3

Both academies must teach the same basic 640 hr TCLEOSE course. So there are times when you will be sitting in classrooms  for both academies.They can add to that training if they want to and many Texas academies do. As far as the Physical part- are you talking more about physical training or more hands on Mechanics of Arrest training? If it is more of the mechanics of arrest/defensive tactics, IMO that would help you get better prepared for the streets.

Do you know any police officers in your area? Ask them their opinions of the two academies, they will tell you which one has a better reputation, equipment, instructors, etc. Also how many hours are each academy? Do they have taser training as part of their basic curriculum? If there are added hours (In addition to the 640) what are the additional hours in?

Email me if you need any other assistance that I can offer

Answer 4

you sound like your ready and if what you say is true you should be admited into the police academy easily. just make sure your fit for the training, top shape is a major plus.

Answer 5

I don't know what Texas requirements are for police certification, but I would assume similar to other states.  Both academies would still have to meet state requirements for state certification.  I took my corrections certification at one junior college and got my police certification at another school, and both had to cover the required aspects for each: law, court proceedings, traffic, report writing, self defense, weapons training, emergency vehicle operation and much more.  With your training and experience with the military, you maybe able to skip some parts and still qualify.  Also some police departments will hire new recruits and then send them to school for the required training and they pay the cost while also paying you your wage.

Answer 6

1st off thanx for your service ! Now Im sure they are bothe desined for a specific training of L.E. Since you are in the miliray you are already fit ! Why not go to the one that emphasiyze more on the pare work part. Just basic training qualify you physically to be a LEO

Answer 7

You should check with the departments you want to get hired at.  They will tell you which academy to take, and in fact usually they will put you through the academy when they hire you.

Answer 8

Police Academies in California must meet specific requirements which is basically the same state wide. CHP and large city police may require you to attend their academy but overall, the standards should be the same. Physical and mental challenges are both equally important in law enforcement.