Starting my POST Academy as a non-affiliate

[ThisUsernameIsMine]

I start up an extended academy out of Napa Valley in September. Will be working 40hrs a week and juggling the Academy on Tue/Thu nights and Saturdays.

Anyone do the extended academy out of Napa specifically? I'd like to ask some questions.

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[Pyromedic56]

I did the intensive out of Napa if nobody else answers up.

[ak_in_ca]

Haven't seen a lot of successful graduates out of Extended academies as an FTO. I only know of 3 total in my 8 years that have not failed out and have been able to cut it. Extended academies really don't prepare you for the FTO program.

[CinnamonBear723]

Haven't seen a lot of successful graduates out of Extended academies as an FTO. I only know of 3 total in my 8 years that have not failed out and have been able to cut it. Extended academies really don't prepare you for the FTO program.

Having somewhat recently gone through the FTO program, i can tell you with some certainty that it is much more stressful than the academy

[panzer]

Good luck, hang in there

[ThisUsernameIsMine]

Haven't seen a lot of successful graduates out of Extended academies as an FTO. I only know of 3 total in my 8 years that have not failed out and have been able to cut it. Extended academies really don't prepare you for the FTO program.

What real difference would an extended academy make over an intensive when it comes to your FTO when you get hired?

It's all the same material, just spread out over a year instead of being squished into 6months. I feel like someone on an extended academy would actually learn and retain a lot more than someone smashing through it at an intensive pace. Truly learning instead of cramming for exams.

Might make a difference with the hands on stuff?

[code_blue]

EDIT: Did you mean Basic Intensive VS Basic Extended or Basic Intensive vs Modular Extended?

Intensive has the paramilitary, high stress throughout the entire course of the academy. The structure is not identical to the extended modular format. The modular format doesn't have official physical requirements until module I when the scenarios and what not begin. Basic intensive is scattered and start each LD at different locations/times.

When you being an intensive, you are expected to be in shape and have what it takes already. If you don't, you wash out. The modular format seems to nurture the mind a bit more, however in turn passes those who aren't ready for a high stress environment. Each academy will run their processes different, but basically for the modular format...

Mod III - Kindergarten of LE or basically prepping you to be on the right track, learn to drive at low speed EVOC (U turn, tactical seatbelting, parallel parking), basic firearms (i.e. learning what a gun is and no shotgun), basic arrest and control, heavy on constitutional rights...

Mod II - Faster pace, combat pistol, combat shotgun, low light firearms, advanced arrest and control, weapons, investigations, evidence, crime scenes, chemical agents, etc...

Mod I - Physical requirements, high speed EVOC, scenarios, more firearms, etc...

You actually don't receive your POST certificate (proves that you're a lateral) until you've completed an agency's requirement of clearing FTO. Until then you will just have your Mod I certificate to prove that you've cleared the POST requirements. This basically means that you cannot apply to Police Officer Lateral positions and can only apply to Police Officer Academy Graduate positions and/or Reserve Officer positions.

FTO's as of late are geared towards laterals. It has been some time since agencies have hired academy graduates. When they do, it is out of their academies or their sponsored employees. It will be difficult or challenging to achieve a position with an agency with a non-affiliated POST Academy certification.

Sucks, but the benefit to the modular extended is you're completely dedicated. Working full time and attending the academy at night. 18-20 hour days. Anyone can quit their job and attend a sponsored basic intensive, but those that really want it can easily get through an extended.

There are multiple agencies who are aware of this and have begun to look at extended academy grads and Reserve Officers. Just keep on going and the doors will open for you.

[swat]

Congratulations and good luck. I don't know what the hiring situation is in your area, but don't rule out becoming a reserve officer when you graduate. The reserve program lets you get a foot in the door at an agency. It will help you make up any of the shortcomings that may exist at a reserve academy. Additionally if you establish a good reputation as a reserve you will be a shoo in for a full time position.

[ThisUsernameIsMine]

I am still employed in CDCR and will be doing the part time academy and continue working. I plan on staying employed with CDCR until I land a full time position on a department. I am fairly flexible in relocating to make it happen.

Thank you for the information! If I didn't have a current job with CDCR I would be doing an intensive format academy.

[ThisUsernameIsMine]

I am entering a 12 month extended academy. Not a modular. It's Tue/Thu nights and all day Saturday.

[code_blue]

I see. In a Basic Extended, those who cannot continue one way or another will have to start over again if they chose to continue their pursuit.

With a modular, you pick up after the last module that you've completed i.e. if you fail out of Mod II, then you'd take another Mod II at another time because your Mod III certificate still stands. Modular also allows you to become a Reserve Officer for each respective level completed.

You will still be considered as an academy graduate until you've completed an agency's FTO program and obtain your POST certificate to be considered as a lateral.

Either way, best of luck to you and your journey. It'll be fun to see the differences between the Corrections and the Enforcement side.

[ak_in_ca]

What real difference would an extended academy make over an intensive when it comes to your FTO when you get hired?

It's all the same material, just spread out over a year instead of being squished into 6months. I feel like someone on an extended academy would actually learn and retain a lot more than someone smashing through it at an intensive pace. Truly learning instead of cramming for exams.

Might make a difference with the hands on stuff?

I hate to burst your bubble but all of LE is "Hands on Stuff" its real world practical application of everything you have learned in a high stress environment. The majority of my trainees that have come from extended academies were quite book smart but most could not apply that knowledge in the field.

The academy is 6 months of constantly being on your toes with the constant threat of being let go if you do not effectively employ the techniques and information they are teaching you. That state of constant stress prepares you as much as possible for the field. Since you will be expected to operate under high stress conditions, the full time academy makes things into a reflex. You eat, sleep and breath police work there.

The extended academies are like a college course you may learn the material needed but you will have no clue how to apply it in a practical format.

[ThisUsernameIsMine]

I hate to burst your bubble but all of LE is "Hands on Stuff" its real world practical application of everything you have learned in a high stress environment. The majority of my trainees that have come from extended academies were quite book smart but most could not apply that knowledge in the field.

The academy is 6 months of constantly being on your toes with the constant threat of being let go if you do not effectively employ the techniques and information they are teaching you. That state of constant stress prepares you as much as possible for the field. Since you will be expected to operate under high stress conditions, the full time academy makes things into a reflex. You eat, sleep and breath police work there.

The extended academies are like a college course you may learn the material needed but you will have no clue how to apply it in a practical format.

Thank you for your input.

It is impractical for me to quit my current position within the California Department of Corrections and go into a full-time academy when I can extend my employment with the state while doing an extended academy simultaneously. Thus if it takes a while to get onto a department I will still continue my CalPERS pension with the state and won't find myself jobless.

It'd be quite a leap of faith to quit my current state employment to do an intensive academy in the hopes I get hired.

On top of that I will be vested on PERS a few months after finishing the extended academy I am slotted for. So things should line up fairly well if all goes as planned.

[1G_TaLoN]