POST Academy

[Jonnyboy182]

Hello guys, I am a member from CALCCW where I've gotten tons of help on my quest for a CCW. Long story short I have decided to switch careers and enter Law Enforcement.

I am 27 years old, married with an 8 month old son. I have been in contact with the local Sheriff in relation to their POST academy. I have been told that classes will open up early next year, and that I will be sent more information at that time. What I'm really looking for is this- what should I expect and how can I prepare myself mentally and physically for the academy? I played basketball in college, so 3 a days were not abnormal for me. (Although I must confess I've gotten a bit soggy in the last 3 years!) I have taken several "practice" POST tests and usually do well, I do have some trouble in spelling if I don't focus 100% however. I don't really know what to expect there, I have heard I will be yelled at, I have been told I will be challenged-none of that matters to me though, this is what I want and I will do whatever it takes. I want to be ready so that when the call comes I am first in line.

It has always been a dream of mine to work in law enforcement. I want to help and protect people and I want to enforce the law. I also want a career that I can be proud of. Thanks in advance for your help and expertise.

Jon

[Jonathan Doe]

At least physically and mentally fit. You need to start running 3 miles at least 3 times a week. Do some ride alongs to see if you really like being an LEO. Many people quit in the academy or right after they graduate when they find out LEO career is not for them.

If you want to help and protect people, there are a lot of other profession for it. But, if you are determined to be an LEO, do not give up even if the DI's try to drop you.

[J_B]

Do a ride a long. Ask alot of questions of yourself as well as the officer.

I am tired of seeing people take up academy spots, get into field training, wasting my time as well as other FTO's time then quitting, hence making it harder for the next person to get a full time paid academy spot.

Don't mean to sound harsh at all. I was just having this conversation with a friend about a person who works for us. He got into a lateral process and was offered a job with a good department only to turn it down for some stupid reason. So I basically called him, told him I'm tired of doing background questionnaires on him and told him I'm refusing to do the background questionniare on the other department he applied to.

[Jonnyboy182]

Great advice, I will be calling my local PD and asking for a ride along. I have done it in the past, but it's been a few years.

And about quitting-- I understand that you guys hear this non-stop, but I will not quit at this. I want to be prepared so when I get in I am ready to stand out as someone who is willing and able to put his own time in to be prepared. I want to be the best police officer I can be, and am willing to do whatever I need to do to get there.

[J_B]

Great advice, I will be calling my local PD and asking for a ride along. I have done it in the past, but it's been a few years.

And about quitting-- I understand they you guys hear this non-stop, but I will not quit at this. I want to be prepared so when I get in I am ready to stand out as someone who is willing and able to put his own time in to be prepared. I want to be the best police officer I can be, and am willing to do whatever I need to do to get there.

Good on you and good luck!!!

[Jonnyboy182]

Hey as an aside, I just started P-90X (well that's a lie-I started in the summer, got sick for a few weeks and then had my inlaws in my house for a MONTH
But I started it again this week. It's pretty intense, should I continue with this or find a personal trainer to scream at me?

[J_B]

Hey as an aside, I just started P-90X (well that's a lie-I started in the summer, got sick for a few weeks and then had my inlaws in my house for a MONTH
But I started it again this week. It's pretty intense, should I continue with this or find a personal trainer to scream at me?

Why waste the money on a trainer. Luckily my beat partner's wife is a trainer and all he does is just take alittle from her routine, some from crossfit and added in some of his own experiences and bam, workout routine.

[CaptMike]

The most difficult part of any academy is having mental strength. That will help you know why the instructors are on you. that toughness will also encourage you to study and prepare every night for the next day even though you may be tired. 18 weeks is a long time and you must be mentally ready for it. continue the p90x, it is good to go. here is an example of LASD "black monday". this is the first day when that mental toughness is put to the first test. Good luck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IURHfFIqbGs&feature=PlayList&p=E01CEF84C235FBE1&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1

[retired]

I watched that video LtMike, but I guess they changed things since I went through the same academy in 1976. They greeted us with a handshake, a pat on the back and a smile.

Of course I'm joking. IIRC, they didn't have us do pushups while we were in suits tho. They did make up for that once in uniform. I was surprised to see that on the Fox show. I liked it tho.

Also, I went thru the "real" academy at Biscailuz, not the air conditioned former high school they call Star.

To the OP; do not just run, tho that is very important. Practice pushups, pull ups and calisthenics, because you will be doing a lot of them. Also remember, what was once the rule a minute ago by a DI, may not be a minute later. They will change it on you constantly. Go with the flow and make sure you do not make the mistake if you have a female DI to say, "Yes Sir, No Sir." A guy in my platoon got so rattled by her, he did it almost everyday and it was really hard not to laugh. We knew we'd be next if we did.

One last thing; when you the book outlining the command, marching formations, platoon and class sgt. duties, ensure you read it well. You will be at the least a platoon sgt. and possibly a class sgt. You do not want to not know the various commands to dismiss the platoon or class or the DIs will crucify you. With all of that said; have a good time. lol

[Jonnyboy182]

Thanks for the advice so far guys, it does mean alot to me, and it will help me succeed once I get into the academy.

LtMike: As weird as it sounds I'm actually looking forward to getting screamed at in that way, not because I will enjoy it-but because it will push me past where I've ever been before. I am already wondering if I would be able to remember all those things in a highly stressful situation. I would like to think yes, but you never really know till you get there. I was reading the comments on the page you posted and it seemed people were torn on this type of training. Do people not think they are going to get yelled at on the streets? Maybe a drug dealer with a gun will be nice enough to give you a few seconds to remember your name so you can call for help.

Retired: Yes, with P-90X we pretty much do everything. It's about an hour and a half every day (with 2 days off). It is pretty hardcore, and I hate it lol! But as I told my wife, when I become a police officer my LIFE and the LIVES of my partners out there requires that I be in shape. Taking that lightly would be disrespect to every other LEO out there.

[Swatguy10_15]

Heya Johnnyboy,
Alot of good advice from the know up above..Just my 1 and a half cents, PT PT PT PT PT PT !! "Up in the morning till the rising sun,gonna run all day till the runnings done!"
The p-90 x, Ive seen that program,actually looks pretty neat. Make sure you work on youre core strength as well. Dont make youre training ALL about cardio. Get yourself a nice routine of a mix of strength gaining and cardiovascular endurance. Spend 2-3 days a week lifting.
Other items to consider. Background. Are all financial and personal matters squared away? Any items that can/need to be fixed? If theres any kinda of past "hiccups" maybe go ask an agency background investigator about the circumstances and what theyre opinion is.
Like as many have stated, GO on a ride along. Do yourself the favor and go see what its really like...as the saying goes "its not like you see on tv" and be honest with yourself, do you really want to be in Law Enforcement or are you like the thousands of others who are suddenly "born to be COP types" secondary to the economy tanking and LE being one of the few remaining viable employment opportunities.
Overall good luck with it, the academys training. Remember that. Take what youre cadre says to heart!
Oh final note..The "quest to be an armed citizen" careful with that..Some Background folks may misinterpret that as an over "eagerness" to carry a weapon..

[Jonnyboy182]

Yes, P-90X is pretty cool, it's more core training than running, seems the plateau effect works well at building up everything.

As far as B/G goes-nothing in my past that would cause any issues.

Ride along will happen next week/weekend hopefully, gonna drop by my PD this week and ask when I could do it. And being a Police Officer is not the only opportunity I have, I have spent the last 3 years working as a Pastor in a Church, recently we mutually decided that although I'm pretty good at it-I was not a fit for the leadership team in place. I could find another job in a church if I wanted to, but I feel that I can do what my heart has always desired and that is working in Law Enforcement (went to college for it as well as a major in Youth Ministries with a minor in Bible).

I don't want to harp on the last statement, I understand the need for being careful with what I say. I believe the 2nd amendment right to include the right to carry a weapon. I live in a state (now) that does not issue all the time. I hold the 2nd amendment as dear as I do the 1rst. However, this is not the venue for this conversation. I do appreciate the warning.

[heyeugenio]

The best piece of advice I can give

All the above counts, PT, getting prepared, talking to your locals and other depts. too but it won't be worth anything if your heart ain't in it.

I've seen the most "physically" prepared guys lose it because their heart wasn't in it and their minds went to mush and I've seen the biggest "slacker" in the PT department pull the rabbit out of the hat and WHOOP some tail.

I recently told a cadet from our department the same thing...verbatim:

"Get your head right and your heart in it...snap out of it and handle your sh--!"

That was in response to several back to back remediations and their question of themselves as to whether or not they were going to make it.

#1 key thing to remember about the DI's and RTO's - They can't get yer goat if you don't let them know where you hide it!

And before anything else...realize that this is a LIFE LONG change. Do us a favor...look up the LEO Code of Ethics. Read it and live it, even before you get picked up and start the academy. In fact, many academies require you to remember it before starting!

Should you decide to stick with it, God speed to you and welcome to the family.

[Jonnyboy182]

Thanks for the kind words and advice heyeugenio. Just a quick update for everyone-and another opportunity to suggest help.
I've been in contact with several local PD's as well as SD's I have been informed by many that the best course of action for me in my current financial situation is to work while attending the Modular III, II, I academy (Tue/Thur/Sat-12-13months). I was told by more than one PD that they are beginning to pull away from paying their officers to attend the academy. I was also told by a very nice lady that going to the modular academy has many benefits in itself. I am currently working full time(woot), and although I am looking for a better job, I have stable employment. I was informed that in some situations (this PD's case at least) the best way to get in is come in as a reserve officer (non-paid) and do 10 hours a month or so of work-the example she gave was working at a local HS football game/homecoming for a few hours. Then once I complete the Level I, I could come on as a FT/PT officer if they are hiring. (Not saying that would happen for sure, she just explained that her dept, and most others she had knowledge of-usually grab from Lateral/Reserve officers first.) And it always looks good on the resume to have a few police jobs (even reserve).
Although the cost of the Modular academy is higher, it is spread out over 12-14 months and not 5 months-which makes it better (at least in my situation).

I have read a few posts about working while having a family and attending the Modular Academy. I know it will not be easy by any stretch of the imagination, I know it's something that I have to want.

I would assume that the modular academy would be a little less intense (13 months instead of 6). But I really don't know. If anyone could offer me pointers on that I would appreciate it.

PT-Yeah I am working at it. I'm up to 2 miles running in just over 17mins at this point before I need to cry on the floor(:-p) I know it's not where I need to be, but I intend to be at 7-8 min miles for 5 miles. I am running every other day.

[Cyc Wid It]

FWIW: P90x and Crossfit are very good home-doable training regimens that many military, LEO, athletes etc. all use.