2 answers
Chase
Student
Chandler, Arizona
8
Questions
Asked
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how challenging would it be to go through police academy?
i want to be a police officer
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2 answers
Madi Martinez
Product Manager, Project Manager, Customer Success
8
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi Chase -
While I have not gone through the police academy, I have found some answers specifically from the Phenoix, AZ police department that may help shed light on your career aspirations:
To become a police officer in Phoenix, Arizona, there are several steps you need to take. The hiring process typically takes around 65-90 days, although it can sometimes be longer. It's important to note that the physical agility assessment is not as easy as it may seem. Each event must be completed in random succession with little time to rest, so being in good shape is crucial to successfully pass the assessment. While there are minimum physical fitness standards to be considered for employment, it is recommended to strive to surpass these standards, as the Police Academy will be physically challenging.
If you aspire to be a detective, you will first need to enter patrol. Officers who wish to transfer to specialty assignments must serve as patrol officers for a minimum of 3 years. The police academy is not a "live in" academy, and recruits are paid employees of the Police Department. You can live wherever you want in the Phoenix metro area during your training. The academy consists of a 40-hour work week for 26 weeks, and upon graduation, you will be promoted to the Police Officer category.
In Arizona, there is a unique hiring process where they pay you to go through the Academy. You will be paid $33.01/hr while attending the 26-week Academy during the day for 40 hours a week. It's important to note that you do not reside at the Academy.
The Phoenix department does not have a waiting list, so once you graduate from the Academy with your certification, you will go directly to patrol for field training (FTO). This is an exciting opportunity to apply your training and start your career as a police officer in Phoenix, Arizona.
While I have not gone through the police academy, I have found some answers specifically from the Phenoix, AZ police department that may help shed light on your career aspirations:
To become a police officer in Phoenix, Arizona, there are several steps you need to take. The hiring process typically takes around 65-90 days, although it can sometimes be longer. It's important to note that the physical agility assessment is not as easy as it may seem. Each event must be completed in random succession with little time to rest, so being in good shape is crucial to successfully pass the assessment. While there are minimum physical fitness standards to be considered for employment, it is recommended to strive to surpass these standards, as the Police Academy will be physically challenging.
If you aspire to be a detective, you will first need to enter patrol. Officers who wish to transfer to specialty assignments must serve as patrol officers for a minimum of 3 years. The police academy is not a "live in" academy, and recruits are paid employees of the Police Department. You can live wherever you want in the Phoenix metro area during your training. The academy consists of a 40-hour work week for 26 weeks, and upon graduation, you will be promoted to the Police Officer category.
In Arizona, there is a unique hiring process where they pay you to go through the Academy. You will be paid $33.01/hr while attending the 26-week Academy during the day for 40 hours a week. It's important to note that you do not reside at the Academy.
The Phoenix department does not have a waiting list, so once you graduate from the Academy with your certification, you will go directly to patrol for field training (FTO). This is an exciting opportunity to apply your training and start your career as a police officer in Phoenix, Arizona.
Danny Kono
Homicide Investigator (Ret.)
22
Answers
Pomona, California
Updated
Danny’s Answer
Hi Chase. Like "beauty," the "challenge" of a police academy is in the eye of the beholder. Some find it more challenging than others, and some do not make it through. You will want to be pro-active and begin working out well before the academy, if you want to have an easier time. Although the physical fitness and stress aspects of academies have waned over the years, most, if not all still have varying degrees of both. The academy is much like basic training in the military. I have been through both! Your training is what will bring you home after every shift! But being prepared for the academy does not end there. Brush up on your writing and English skills. More recruits wash out because they cannot write a comprehensive police report, than the physical fitness components. Sounds like you already have the desire to be successful in law enforcement and will meet the challenge with flying colors. Good luck!
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Chase