For Any Police Officers Out There...

[keishashadow]

Middle DS has dreamed of becoming a Police Officer since he was a toddler. After 1 year criminal justice @ college, we gave him the green light to attend our county's Police Acad.

He's been so excited, bought all the uniforms & gear...has 2 days of instruction under his belt...and is so discouraged.

It's much different than he expected (5 mile runs, screaming, demeaning instructor - of course he's managed to attract his attention). Generally speaking he's a magnetic personality, leader, etc...but he's overwhelmed physically & mentally!

Is it safe to assume that it's sort of like boot-camp wherein the DI is trying to weed out/toughen them up; then will lighten up after a while? Don't know if he can last thru June (hope so).

 

[Tink0374]

my DH was a police officer for 12 years. Now he is a member of the Reserve Police Force. He said that it is exactly as you suspected...they will try to "weed" out the weakest links. Police Officers come in contact with the absolute worst element there is on a daily basis. They are routinely yelled at, cursed at, spat at, and many other worse things. They have to maintain professionalism throughout all of this. The instructors are giving them their worst to see who will rise above and become the best. My husband still wouldn't trade his worst day being an officer for his best day as a civilian. He said the rewards you get from helping others in your community are ten-fold. Emotionally and spiritually he is a better person for having served our community. Tell your DS to hang in there.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Middle DS has dreamed of becoming a Police Officer since he was a toddler. After 1 year criminal justice @ college, we gave him the green light to attend our county's Police Acad.

He's been so excited, bought all the uniforms & gear...has 2 days of instruction under his belt...and is so discouraged.

It's much different than he expected (5 mile runs, screaming, demeaning instructor - of course he's managed to attract his attention). Generally speaking he's a magnetic personality, leader, etc...but he's overwhelmed physically & mentally!

Is it safe to assume that it's sort of like boot-camp wherein the DI is trying to weed out/toughen them up; then will lighten up after a while? Don't know if he can last thru June (hope so).

Sounds like the same kind of academy my DH went through. His Academy is not this way now, in fact a lot of people come out of the Academy now that NEVER, EVER find a job in law enforcement. It has just become about making money. So it sounds like he is in a good program, and that it will just take some time to get used to. Two days is not really enough to know how things will go. I bet the weeding out process is taking place now.

Good luck to your DS. Also most police departments require some sort of college degree for advancement or even to be hired, so your DS needs to still work on that.

 

[Crankyshank]

Sister of a PO here. My brother's PA was just like that (DB also teaches traffic stops at 1 academy a year) and he absolutely loved it. It was difficult at first because of the screaming and physical stuff and because of all the writing they had to do but he soon settled in and often remarks how great training was for him and how you can really tell the difference between po's that transfered and didn't go to that type of academy and those who have.

DB is on the waiting list for the state police and is actually looking forward to that academy

 

[MickeysMommy]

My SO runs the police academy here and yes, it is just like that. They knock them down to build them back up. The first week is the toughest and then it gets much easier. Tell him to hang in there - it will all be worth it. If you have any other ques, feel free to PM me. I help him with the academy.

 

[keishashadow]

Thanks for the speedy replies, very informative. I will relay the info, hope he hangs in there - know he'd regret it later if he quit now. The program sound rough, but will certainly help prepare them for dealing with stress.

 

[allicat]

DH has been in law enforcement for 12 years now and I still remember how rough it was whe he was going through the training! I think they had to be pepper sprayed twice too, if Im not mistaken. Tell him to give it a chance and not make any hasty decisions!

 

[golfgal]

As with any major decision you have to give it time. I would tell him to stick it out for 6 weeks and then re evaluate. I am sure the first 2 weeks are going to be the most awful and once he gets into more of the police type work he will start enjoying it.

My BIL is a police officer and he went to a 2 year program in criminal justice, I think. Along with the course work they did the academy stuff but I don't think it was a boot camp type program.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

I actually just showed my brother this thread--Hes always thought about doing the police academy, and hes looking in to it now, so i asked him and he said thats pretty much what he expected it being like...

hope your son hangs in there!

 

[keishashadow]

DS was right...he's the new "whipping boy". Read him many of your posts...just the words he needed to hear. Ready to go get em' tomorrow...Yes Sir, sargent.

Might have to drag my boy to WDW when he's done. He'll sure be ready for a vacation...maybe, even with Mom.

 

[highland3]

Keep the faith.... it does get better!!!

The toughest times are at the beginning. It makes life on the streets feel like a cake-walk (most days!!!!).