ABOUT
THE POLICE ACADEMY
The rigorous training
regimen at the Academy is meant to instill pride and
discipline in each recruit. The paramilitary setting
helps accomplish this with uniforms, ranks and
insignias, chain of command, and traditions. Come
graduation day, you will have earned and will take great
pride in your new position as an officer with the
Whittier Police Department.
Training
Your recruit training will include academics, physical
training, enforcement tactics, weapons training, and
vehicle operations. You will be required to meet the
standards set forth by both the Commission on Peace
Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) and the
Academy. The following descriptions will provide an
overview of what to expect from each type of training.
Academics
You will be responsible for the 42 “learning
domains” (LD) mandated by P.O.S.T., as well as
agency-specific policies and procedures. During your six
months at the Academy, you will receive over 1,000 hours
of training from experienced officers. Should you fail
to pass any LD examination, you must take a remedial
exam. Failure of the remedial exam will result in
termination from the Academy.
Physical
Training
Most recruits find physical training to the most
challenging portion of Academy attendance. You will need
to report for training prepared for a strenuous
conditioning program. You will be motivated to push your
body to its limits. You will also be expected to pass a
multitude of physical fitness tests.
To prepare yourself for such demanding activity, you
should be involved in a strength-training program well
in advance of entering the Academy (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. Prior to reporting to the Academy, you should also
be able to complete 50 sit-ups, 50 push-ups, and 4
pull-ups. Following these guidelines will ensure that
you meet the minimum acceptable level for new recruits.
Watch the following physical preparation guide from the
Orange County Sheriff's Academy:
Enforcement
Tactics
The staff will train you in various aspects of
enforcement procedures. You will learn basic
applications regarding use of force, patrol techniques,
vehicle pullovers, and crimes in progress. Your general
knowledge will be tested in each phase, as well as your
ability to apply that knowledge to both day and night
scenarios.
Weapons
Training
Weapons Training is a realistic program that prepares
officers to face the challenges of on-the-job
encounters.
Each recruit will be
instructed in the safe handling and effective use of the
Department’s general duty weapons: SigArms Model 226
.40 caliber semiautomatic pistol.
Weapons Training also
includes the proper use of Oleoresin Capsicum (OC spray:
also known as pepper spray), operations in a chemical
environment (CS gas), and basic recognition and handling
of confiscated and clandestine weapons.
Emergency
Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC)
EVOC, one of the finest law enforcement driver training
programs available, will train you in enforcement
driving. You will hear lectures on vehicle dynamics,
performance driving techniques, and departmental policy.
You will also receive interactive driver training, which
includes vehicle placement, skid control techniques,
performance driving, defensive driving, and Code-3
pursuit driving.
Each recruit must meet
minimum performance goals during each phase of
interactive training, as well as demonstrate knowledge
by written examination.
Training
Day
The Academy will be your “home away from home” for
the next several months (you do not live on Academy
grounds). Your training day will typically begin at 0645
hours and end at approximately 1700 hours. You must
remain on Academy grounds during training hours.
Drill
Recruits learn the drill procedures necessary to
participate in ceremonies and tactical formations,
including riots and civil disturbances. Marching is a
critical aspect of drill procedures, and you will
practice it often.
Each recruit will face a
number of obstacles during Academy training. Most
recruits have difficulty with the regimentation and some
with the physical testing, but most recruits share one
obstacle: they failed to adequately prepare for the
demanding Academy lifestyle.
For more information about a police academy, please
visit the Rio
Hondo Police Academy website. |
