Academy

I am about to go through the police academy at the Saint Petersburg college, and I would like as much advice as possible. What should I expect? It’s my understanding that out of 32 recruits, about 10 drop/fail. Is this mostly because of bad attitudes and lack of physical fitness? Should I get a 19 or a 17 glock firearm? How are the exams each week structured? Are the instructors there to assist, help, and guide the students, or are they known to be unhelpful. Do they do PT at the end of the day, and do all the students take showers (I was told they have showers there, a bit odd?). Where will I be trained to use my firearm? If anyone could answer any of these questions, please do. I would really appreciate ANY advice I can get. Thanks!

[Dirty Harry]

Relax, you are too intense. The academy is tough but the person who applies themselves will do fine. The instructors are selected based on the good ol boy system and student evaluations. The instructors will teach the basic skills for you to start this profession, but you will only be opening Pandora's box as you will get more intensive training at Post academy at your respected agency.

What firearm to buy? The academy used to supply a Beretta 9mm for Firearms Training. If times have changed and you have to buy your own, check with what agency you might be aplying for I.E. if you are thinking of PCSP-they have an open weapon policy within a certain range of weapons. You might want to buy 1-$500 to 600.00 weapon as opposed to buying one that you can't carry. Here at Clearwater we are in transition to a new weapon. We supply the weapon for you.

Hey, show up with a positive can do attitude and you'll do fine.
The showers, yea you take a shower after D.T. or training cause I wouldn't want to smell your BO in the classroom. You did take gym in high school right? Or did you not take a shower there either?

Do you feel lucky? Well do you?

Harry

what in the hell is PCSP? Only agecy I can think of is Pinellas County School Police and since they require 6 yrs experience to work for them, I don't think he will be working there. ( by the way they just got new .40 caliber glocks) Last time I checked (last week) they are supplying Glocks now at the acdemy. Since alot of the agency in the area are using these firearms. (SPPD,PCSO)

[Dirty Harry]

Thanks Bro, PCSP was supposed to be PCSO - Typo, but then you had one too - "Only agecy "

Stay Safe

Go to the Academy with an open mind, do what they say, stay in good shape, stay out of trouble, and STUDY and you will be fine.