Tips for Success in Law Enforcement Academy

Wendy Leonard
Sep 24, 2024
4 min read

Dealing with Expectations

Unless you are the latest generation in an extensive line of police officers or a veteran of the United States Military, chances are you’ve never engaged in anything like a police academy. Many of your expectations may be based on real life, while others may be based on reality TV. Let’s look at a few familiar sources of anxiety.

Since my site is based in Texas, we’ll examine the application process for Texas police academies. I may be biased, but the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) manages an outstanding training program for police officers.

Even the best students will work harder than in any course they have taken before the Academy. Still, everyone who puts in the effort can achieve their goal of becoming a licensed police officer in Texas.

The Application Process

The application is unlike any job application you have ever completed. Everyone must complete a Personal History Statement approximately fifty pages long. You will need incredibly detailed information about you and your entire family. Be prepared to spend a great deal of time pulling this information together. Be honest and open and understand why you are being asked for all this information. Think, “What type of person would I want to come to my aid?”

The Orientation and First-Day Jitters

Again, ask yourself, “How did I feel when I was stopped for that speeding ticket?” Why do you think you reacted the way you did? Yes, some of it was guilt -- you knew you were speeding. But some of it was the respect you felt for the position of Police Officer.

Your instructors will be former or current officers, many even former police chiefs, but they are all very approachable, wise men and women with valuable experience to share. They don’t teach for the money; they teach to share what they have learned with you.

Classes

The current Basic Police Officer Course consists of forty-four separate classes and 736 hours of training, varying from one-hour to 74-hour courses. Unlike college courses, you will have approximately ten tests evenly spaced throughout the program, covering material from three or four courses.

We at Texas Police Training Academy have prepared digital flashcards that students can access for free to study for these tests and stay fresh for the State certification course at the end of the Academy. Stay current with these flashcards, you will retain the material better over the six-month training academy.

Getting together with one or two other students to study can help you stay on track. Also, verbally encouraging one another is invaluable as you work through the coursework together.

Keep it positive! Negative vibes can kill an Academy class. It will take the best you have every day, but when everyone is upbeat and encouraging, the days go so much better. Being positive is a skill you need on the streets, so cultivate it during the Academy. Remember the adage, “Laughter is Good Medicine.” Make sure you laugh together daily, but never at anyone’s expense.

Expect to make mistakes. We all do. Expect criticism. Some instructors are better at it than others. Consider it training for the streets. People on the streets will not go out of their way to soothe your feelings. You are going to have to take it professionally. This is not a job for the thin-skinned.

Time Management

Most people who do not make it through the Police Academy fail due to poor time management. You must be on time. You must have what you need. You must be prepared for exams. You must be on top of it when an instructor asks a question.

You will ask yourself, “How am I going to do this?” I’ve seen it, and I’ve seen the cadets figure it out.

Dedicate yourself to the Academy 24/7. Talk with your family about ways you can make this happen. It is only six months, but it’s all in for that time.

Make a promise to tuck little ones into bed, read them a book, or go over their homework folders so they know you are interested in them. Share how excited you are to be in school like them and that you have homework to finish, too. Children love to be proud of their mommy or daddy, and they will cheer you on if you give them a chance.

Fun times with extended family and friends are the most prominent hit you will experience during the Academy. Give them the same speech about it’s all-in for six months, and then you can join them again. But to succeed, you must give 150% to the Academy. Invite them to celebrate with you at your Academy graduation ceremony.

Choose your study hours and stick to them. Can you put in some time before leaving the house? Can you use your lunch hour to study with another cadet? Share dinner time with the family and then retire to do your homework? Know when tests are coming, and make sure you allow extra time to study the weekend before.

Fitness Training

Fitness training is a concern for many. Obviously, if you have some time before Academy begins, you should start working out. Plan on a goal of running a minimum of 1.5 miles and doing some type of calisthenics. You will be tested on sprints, pushups, pull-ups, sit-ups, so start preparing those muscle groups, if you can. If not, just be prepared that it is coming and give it 100%.