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SO YOU WANT TO BE A COP

NCJ Number
143248
Journal
State Peace Officers Journal Volume: 41 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1992) Pages: 48-55
Author(s)
F Pickens; J Bonilla
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Training for police work consists of two phases: physical and academic training at the police academy and on-the-job field training.
Abstract
Academy training is structured to provide the foundation of knowledge needed to become a successful street cop; the course lasts between 16 and 22 weeks. Academy instruction covers subjects including criminal law; laws of arrest, search and seizure; patrol concepts; firearms training; juvenile law; self-defense; traffic accident investigation; first aid; communications; and pursuit driving. Classroom instruction is followed by practicals, in which the recruit is required to apply theoretical information to simulated situations. The field training program, which lasts between 8 and 16 weeks, is designed to prepare recruits for real-life situations they will encounter on the streets. Each recruit is assigned to a field training officer (FTO) who accompanies and evaluates the recruit as he goes on calls, investigates crimes and writes appropriate reports, and performs the other functions of a patrol officer.