I Wish I Knew...

We know starting a new career in law enforcement can be intimidating, exciting, nerve-wracking, scary, and confusing. It doesn't have to be. We surveyed over a thousand recruits and asked them what information they wish they knew before starting the academy. These are their answers:

• The different workouts you are required to do for PT in the academy:
  • Flutter kicks, jumping jacks, planks, squats and squat holds, push-ups, sit-ups, 6-inch and 90-degree leg holds, and running (lots of running), especially up-hill. We can help you prepare at our PT prep sessions! Remember, you will have to retake your fitness exam on Day 0 in order to make it into the academy. 
• How the Training and Counseling (TAC) officers yell at you:
  • Yes, you will be yelled at, but it’s all part of the process. The academy follows a boot camp style, where the intensity and yelling are designed to test your ability to stay calm, communicate, and perform under pressure. Remember, TAC officers aren’t there to tear you down; they’re there to build you up into the best officer you can be. The more you learn to block out the noise and focus on the task in front of you, the stronger and more prepared you’ll become.
• How to eat right:
  • Focus on a high-protein, nutrient-dense diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You need food for both brain power and energy. And, don't forget to drink water!
•  Learning material:
  • We can't tell you everything you are going to learn in the academy, but we provide you 400 codes and some definitions to get you started. We also teach you how to stand in formation and shine your boots at our PT prep sessions.
• Day 0 and Day 1
  • Day 0 will require you to retake the fitness exam (vertical jump, Illinois Agility Run, sit-ups, push-ups, 300-meter sprint, 1.5 mile run). You must pass this exam to enter the academy. On this day, you will also fill out a lot of paperwork. It's a long day, but HR will provide you all the information you need to know. 
  • Day 1 is the first official day of the academy. This day is long and chaotic, and there will be a lot of physical activity, yelling, and instruction. Just remember: you are about to embark on the greatest journey of your career with the best police department in the country. It'll all be worth it! Check out a cool video of Day 1 for the police academy.
    • Tip: make sure you thoroughly read the academy packet that the academy/HR provide you prior to this day (we mean it). 
• Information about the academies
  • The Police Academy lasts six months, while the Corrections Academy runs for 20 weeks, both operating on a four-day-per-week schedule. Depending on your assigned staff, your training days will either be Monday–Thursday or Tuesday–Friday. Expect long days, at least 10 hours, sometimes more, with start times ranging anywhere from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Flexibility is key, as schedules can change.
  • The academies are not live-in, so you’ll go home at the end of each training day. However, outside employment or schooling is not permitted during this time. Your full focus and commitment are essential for success.

Learn more about the Police and Corrections academies!