The manual aims to help qualified applicants to prepare adequately for a law enforcement career and to ensure that people without the necessary qualifications will discover this without embarking on training. An overview of basic employment standards for police work covers the legal, medical, and personal qualifications for police employment. Descriptions of police academies focus on the formats used, the duties and qualifications of staff, and the content of 12 functional areas of training. Preparation for entry into the police academy is discussed in terms of financial considerations; family support needed before, during, and after academy training; organizational techniques required to cope with the academic workload; physical conditioning; motivation; teamwork; interpersonal skills; and professional conduct. The steps involved in applying for employment with a police agency are explained, as are the nature of the police department environment and its impacts on the new officer. Form for personal and equipment information.