HOW TO PASS THE POLICE ACADEMY

After you are hired as an Entry Level Police Officer you will attend the basic police academy. The police academy is the first step in your training to become a self-sufficient solo police officer.

The police academy is designed to provide you the basic knowledge, skills and mindset that you’ll need to be successful. We typically send our new officers to the Alameda County Sheriff academy. Each is approximately 7 months in duration. You’ll attend the academy Monday through Friday during the day. Neither academy is a “live-in” academy, so you’ll return home each day after class. To see a schedule of upcoming academies click here.

During the academy, you will receive instruction in a variety of topics ranging from use of force law, firearms, community policing, ground-fighting, evidence procedures and more. Each topic if divided into over 40 different Learning Domains.

You’ll be required to pass dozens of tests to demonstrate your competency and knowledge. Each of those tests presents an opportunity for you to succeed or fail. Your performance will depend on your ability to study hard, work hard, and follow instructions.

Preparing for the Police Academy

There are several things you can do to prepare for the academy.

1) Get in shape.

Consider this sample physical fitness standard:

·        1 ½ miles in 12 minutes or less

·        300-yard sprint in 55 seconds or less

·        40 push-ups in 60 seconds or less

·        40 sit-ups in 60 seconds or less

·        Bench press 80% of your body weight

At some point in the academy you’ll be expected to perform to this standard. Start training now to make sure you are ready.

2) Develop good personal habits now.

Being a police officer includes being on time, being personally responsible for your equipment, being respectful, managing your time and more. Make sure you develop those habits before you enter the academy.

3) Get your personal affairs in order.

Entering the police academy and embarking on a career in law enforcement is a huge step. Your schedule will dramatically change. Make sure your personal life is free from issues that will distract you from your goal of passing the academy.

By preparing yourself correctly you will have a greater chance of being successful in the police academy. We wish you good luck!