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Training at the Academy
Your cadet training will range from Academics and Physical Training to Enforcement Tactics, Weapons Training and Vehicle Operations. You will be required to meet the standards set forth by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and the Academy. The following descriptions will give you a brief overview of the type of training and what you should expect of yourself in each phase.
Academics
Academically, you will be responsible for 42 "learning domains" (LD's) mandated by POST, in addition to agency specific policies and procedures. During your approximately 6-month program, you will receive over 1,000 hours of training. You will be trained by Officers and Sergeants who are experienced in training cadets. If you fail to pass any LD examination, you will be required to take a remedial exam in addition to serving a weekend restriction. Failure of the remedial exam will result in termination from cadet training.
You are also required to complete and pass an Accident Investigation course, Spanish language training and Criminal Law courses. You will also be certified as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) during your Academy training.
Physical Training
This is the most challenging phase of training for most cadets. You will need to report for training prepared for a strenuous conditioning program. The Physical Training (PT) Staff will motivate you to push your body to its limits and beyond. You will be expected to pass a variety of Physical Fitness Tests and the Physical Performance Program Test.
To prepare yourself, you should be involved in some form of strength training program. A circuit training program is advisable. You should also be running at least 3 miles, 3 times a week, at a 9-minute-per-mile pace. You should also be able to perform 50 sit-ups, 50 push-ups and 4 pull-ups prior to reporting to the Academy. This will ensure that you meet the minimum acceptable level for incoming cadets.
Enforcement Tactics
The Enforcement Tactics Staff will train you in various aspects of enforcement procedures. During the 66-hour course, you will learn the basics for Use of Force, Patrol Techniques, Vehicle Pullovers, and Crimes in Progress. You will be tested on your general knowledge in each phase, as well as your ability to apply that knowledge during both day and night scenario testing.
Weapons Training
The program is realistic weapons training that prepares officers to meet the challenge of "real world" encounters.
Each cadet will be instructed in the safe handling and effective use of the Department's general duty weapons - Smith & Wesson model 4006 semiautomatic pistol, and Remington model 870 shotgun, both in daylight and night conditions. Each cadet will also complete a firing course to familiarize him/herself with the Colt AR15A2 rifle.
Also covered in the Weapons portion of training is the proper use of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), "pepper spray", operations in a chemical environment (CS gas), and basic recognition and handling of confiscated and clandestine weapons.
Emergency Vehicle Operations Course
The Emergency Vehicle Operations Course is famous throughout the world as the finest law enforcement driver training program available. You will be trained in enforcement driving at the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course. You will receive a minimum of 20 hours of lecture on vehicle dynamics, performance driving techniques, and departmental policy. You will also receive a minimum of 16 hours of hands-on driver training. This training includes vehicle placement, skid control techniques, performance driving, defensive driving and Code-3 pursuit driving.
Each cadet will be required to meet minimum performance objectives during each phase of hands-on training, as well as showing knowledge by successfully completing a written examination.
Customs and Courtesies
The following are some customs for cadets to become familiar with:
- When called upon by a staff member or any person on the Academy grounds, state "Sir (or Ma'am), Cadet ______".
When speaking to a staff member or any person, state "Yes, Sir (or Ma'am)." "No Sir (or Ma'am)."
- Upon contacting, meeting, or passing any person on the Academy grounds, make eye contact and state "Good morning, (afternoon, or evening), Sir (or Ma'am)."
- When reporting to any office or officer, state, "Sir (or Ma'am), Cadet ______ reporting as ordered."
- Any time you report to a staff member, and before leaving, you will assume the position of attention and remain in that position until told otherwise.