Police Training
Join the Police Training Academy
Interested in becoming a law enforcement officer? If so, you may have noticed that most agencies are looking for certified or certifiable applicants. Without these credentials, it is often difficult to obtain law enforcement employment.
Law enforcement agencies are reluctant to hire uncertified applicants (those without police training) because it costs thousands of dollars in salaries and benefits, and months of time and effort to send them to the academy for police training to be certified. By obtaining the academy police training prior to employment, one can offer the employers the qualifications and skills that others cannot. This will enable you to step right into the exciting career of law enforcement!
The requirements to enter a police training academy usually consist of the following: must be a U.S. citizen, must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid license to drive a vehicle, be admitted to a particular university offering the course of study, hold a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check, pass a psychological exam, pass a physical fitness test, pass a medical exam, and pass a reading and writing exam.
To be more specific regarding the psychological exam necessary for police training, after the applicant is examined by a certified psychologist, is shown to be free of any emotional or mental condition that might adversely affect one’s performance as a Police Officer or prohibit one from successfully completing a prescribed basic law enforcement police training as prescribed by The Law Enforcement Training Act (chapter 29, article 7 NMSA 1978). With respect to the physical fitness test for police training, students need to meet specific standards regarding body strength (push-ups), endurance, aerobics, an-aerobics, and flexibility according to age, and male/female categories.
Students entering the academy for police training must meet each standard or they will not be allowed to attend the classes. The fitness tests are administered exactly as required by the Department of Public Safety. Students should refrain from smoking, chewing tobacco, or eating for two hours prior to testing, and should be sure to stretch before and after to prevent injuries.
When checking the background of a student for police training, one must not have been convicted of or pled guilty to or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge, or any violation of any Federal of State law or Local ordinance related to aggravated assault, theft, driving under the influence, controlled substances, or other crime involving moral turpitude; has not been released from any of the U.S. armed forced by dishonorable discharge.
The entrance procedures for police training are rigorous. This is no wonder, considering that the profession is a highly dangerous one, and candidates need to seriously be prepared for the hazards they must face on a daily basis as part of the job.
