4 answers
khalil
Student
North Carolina, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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what training does a cop go through?
that is what I want to be #cop #law-enforcement #police-officer
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4 answers
Stacey Berryman
Student at Lamar University
5
Answers
Humble, Texas
Updated
Stacey’s Answer
We train constantly. We have to complete a certain number of hours every 2 years to maintain our license with the state. Each time the laws change we have to have update classes to make sure we are in compliance. There is a lot of training being a cop.
Walter Williams
Currently looking for new opportunities to begin a new career.
11
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Walter’s Answer
A police officer has 3 types of training. First there is the basic police academy. Depending on the state you are in this can take between 3 months to 6 months. After that you have your field training. You will be given a training officer who will help show you how to deal with things in the field and watch over you to ensure you are capable at your job. This portion can take 6 months to a year. Finally you have countinuel training. Each year you will have class you need as refreshers or new skills you will acquire throw out your career. Hope this helps.
Walter
Walter
JD Williamson
LE Lieutenant- Retired
17
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
JD’s Answer
Hello,
In Texas (and most places) there are 3 types of training. The first is Basic Police Academy. This is generally 4-9 months of training followed by about 4 months of Field Training. The second type of training is referred to as Mandatory Training. This training is every 1 -2 years and covers those topics directed by the state, or your agency. It is about 1 week (40 hours). The last is Elective Training. This training can be at the academy, another agency or on-line. Generally there is a restriction that it has to be police related.
At the time of my retirement I had a Master Peace Officer Certificate, a Master's Degree in Public Management, An under-graduate science degree in Criminal Justice. In total, I had 7206 hours of training.
I did not go into a great deal of detail, but we re-certify with pistol and rifle/shotgun every year. Driving is about every other year and includes High Speed, Precision driving and Tactical driving. Other regular classes include Racial Profiling, Constitutional Law, Arrest, Search and Seizure, just to name a few.
Hope that helps
JD
In Texas (and most places) there are 3 types of training. The first is Basic Police Academy. This is generally 4-9 months of training followed by about 4 months of Field Training. The second type of training is referred to as Mandatory Training. This training is every 1 -2 years and covers those topics directed by the state, or your agency. It is about 1 week (40 hours). The last is Elective Training. This training can be at the academy, another agency or on-line. Generally there is a restriction that it has to be police related.
At the time of my retirement I had a Master Peace Officer Certificate, a Master's Degree in Public Management, An under-graduate science degree in Criminal Justice. In total, I had 7206 hours of training.
I did not go into a great deal of detail, but we re-certify with pistol and rifle/shotgun every year. Driving is about every other year and includes High Speed, Precision driving and Tactical driving. Other regular classes include Racial Profiling, Constitutional Law, Arrest, Search and Seizure, just to name a few.
Hope that helps
JD
Robert Noriega
Lieutenant (ret.) at San Jose State University Police Department
17
Answers
California, California
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Here in CA, your training starts before you are even old enough to become a Police Officer. We look for good quality candidates who are mature, responsible, reliable, accountable, personable, educated, physically fit, trustworthy and honest. Here, you can put yourself through the Police Academy or be sponsored by an agency (once hired). The Police Academy is approximately 6 months long and you will learn about report writing, defensive tactics, firearms, investigations, narcotic/alcohol enforcement and influence, driving techniques, multi-cultural relations, domestic violence, sex crimes, traffic enforcement and violent crimes among other things (all the basic stuff you will need to start your career). On top of that, you will undergo a rigorous physical fitness program.
Once you complete the academy, you will start your 1 year probationary period and begin a Field Training Program which usually lasts about 16 weeks (some agencies are longer). You will be teamed up with a senior officer(s) who will help enhance your basic training in real world scenarios and rate your ability to continue in your career.
Once you pass the FT Program, you will be on your own and working as a "solo beat Officer" under the general supervision of a Sergeant. Here you will continue in your probationary status and hopefully complete your 1 year probation and become a regular (non-probationary) member of the department. After that, you will be sent to or may elect to attend various Advance Officer Training classes in investigations, narcotic enforcement, defensive tactics, patrol rifle, etc.
Hope that answers your question.
Good luck!
Once you complete the academy, you will start your 1 year probationary period and begin a Field Training Program which usually lasts about 16 weeks (some agencies are longer). You will be teamed up with a senior officer(s) who will help enhance your basic training in real world scenarios and rate your ability to continue in your career.
Once you pass the FT Program, you will be on your own and working as a "solo beat Officer" under the general supervision of a Sergeant. Here you will continue in your probationary status and hopefully complete your 1 year probation and become a regular (non-probationary) member of the department. After that, you will be sent to or may elect to attend various Advance Officer Training classes in investigations, narcotic enforcement, defensive tactics, patrol rifle, etc.
Hope that answers your question.
Good luck!