Progressing through the Police Academy

An Introduction to the Police Force

The police force offers a reasonable salary as well as the possibility of retirement after 20 to 30 years. This, combined with the importance and responsibility of the job, has made it an increasingly popular avenue for many people. This article looks at how a recruit progresses through police academy and the various things they are expected to do. Be aware that while it is advised that you complete a minimum of a two-year educational program in criminal justice, this will not help you to bypass the police academy. However, it will give you an excellent understanding of many of the procedures covered.

Prior to Being Chosen for the Academy

Before a candidate is even chosen for police academy it is necessary to go through an orientation. This will include an explanation of the police academy, the police in general and what is expected of potential police officers. You will also be expected to undergo a test that is aimed to determine your responses to certain situations. These situations are based on things that can happen in a real-life police officer's day and you must be honest with your answer. A panel of usually three or four officers will conduct this test.

Detailing Your Background

Those that are lucky enough to pass are then expected to fill out a background questionnaire. While this order may seem counterintuitive, when you consider that this questionnaire can take several hours longer than the response test to complete it begins to make more sense. You will need to give details of virtually everything in your history including schools attended, homes you lived in and jobs you have had. All the information you give is checked so it is pointless and damaging to lie.

Interview and Further Tests

If you pass the background check, the next step is the interview. Lasting for a minimum of two hours, the interviewer will go through your background check and clarify any discrepancies. You are judged on your responses, your general demeanor and other factors to ensure you are suitable. Polygraph, personality, psychological, drug, and agility tests will also follow over the space of several weeks.

Classes and Instruction

Once all of these tests have been completed, successful candidates are informed and given the time of their first class. Classes cover every conceivable aspect of policing and generally offer first-hand experience via video tutorials taken from actual events.

Interrogation and interviewing. Recruits learn the difference between interrogating and interviewing as well as methods and techniques that are often used by the police in both of these situations. Some are surprisingly familiar, such as the "good cop - bad cop" routine which has been popularized by television shows.

Crime scene investigation. Investigating crime scenes is a big part of every law enforcer's work. Courses cover the major aspects of a crime scene and investigating it. Identifying and finding evidence and not contaminating the scene are among the main topics learned.

Radio procedure. The use of the radio is vital in many situations and recruits must learn the terminology and the most appropriate times to use the radio. It really can be the difference between life and death for police officer and others.

Patrolling. It comes as a surprise to many recruits that patrolling techniques are a major part of the police academy curriculum and police work in general. Riots need to be closely monitored and patrolled to ensure that they don't get further out of control. Any situation that requires a patrol also requires careful patrol techniques that are taught at the academy.

Legal issues. These are a major concern for the police and the public. There are many different legal statutes that the police must follow during virtually every situation. An example is the requirement that officers read a person their rights when they make an arrest. A failure to follow these rules can prove disastrous.

First aid. First aid is one of the largest sections of academy and, in addition to covering the care of others, it also covers the steps a police officer should take in order to ensure and protect their own safety.

Driving skills. Driving a squad car, especially in high-speed chases, is something that certainly takes practice. The use of sirens and lights are vital to the safety of everyone concerned.

Firearm training. The legal use of a firearm as a police officer may be more confusing than you may think. This section of police academy training not only aims to improve your firearm skills but teach the correct manner in which to use your gun and the situations that might necessitate its use.

A Final Word on the Academy

More specific procedures and techniques are also taught but these are the general topics you will cover. You will also be expected to take regular tests and exams. Your continuation through the course will require passing these tests.

View a list of schools in Florida offering criminal justice programs.