Law enforceemnt training is usually regulated by each state. Some police academies last longer than others. Some police academies are full-time residential academies, and some police academies are part-time academies. Police academies are usually either run by the state, large police departments, or colleges and universities. All academies are required to follow guidelines established by the state. A minimum number of hours and required curriculum is required. Some academies provide additional training. Full-time police academies often last approximately six months. Below is an example the training a police academy might consist of.
Academics encompasses arrest and booking procedures, preliminary investigation techniques, radio and communications, report writing, traffic investigation, and traffic enforcement.
Driving includes the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, which covers defensive driving, pursuit policy, and safe vehicle handling.
Firearms Training includes weapon care and safety, marksmanship, tactical manipulation with the sidearm and shotgun, and chemical agents handling
Human Relations includes cultural sensitivity training, sexual harassment issues, media relations, stress management, disability awareness, community relations, tactical communications, hate crimes, missing persons, and domestic violence.
Law covers search and seizure, evidence, laws of arrest, crimes against persons and property, sex crimes, crimes against children, and other general criminal statutes falling under state and federal laws.
Physical Training builds strength and endurance through physical conditioning while promoting a positive attitude toward a fitness lifestyle. It also encompasses training in physical arrest techniques, controls, and weaponless defense.
Tactics covers patrol techniques and procedures, crimes in progress, building searches, vehicle stops, use of deadly force, and shooting policy.
Training can also include department specific training covering topics such as advanced tactics, alcohol abuse, administration of discipline, cultural diversity, K-9 operations, air support operations, bomb squad operations, community policing and problem solving, civil liabilities, sexual harassment, and use of radar.
In some locations, you can put yourself through a police academy. Some academies allow candidates to register themselves. If you meet the requirements, and openings exist, you can attend. You have to pay tuition when you put yourself through an academy. Putting yourself through an academy can be a good idea. Some police departments require applicants to have already graduated from the police academy. This saves the municipalities money. Be aware that some police departments will require you to complete their academy even if you have already completed another academy. This can be true even if the academy you completed was in the same state as the department you are applying with. Putting yourself through an academy is usually a good idea if the departments that you want to work for only hire academy graduates or if you've tried to get hired by a number of large departments already, and have been unsuccessful. In this case, putting yourself through an academy is just something else that you can do to try to make yourself a better candidate. Make sure that there is nothing in your background that will hold you back from getting a police job even if you complete an academy. You don't want to waste your time and money. Do you think putting yourself through a police academy is right for you? If so, find out if you qualify!