Students at the academy discuss their experiences as they progress through the training. Requiring 15 weeks, the training recruits undergo to become Indiana State troopers is rigorous, exacting, and disciplined. Students must learn to use techniques needed in the field. Classes include such subjects as law, writing, psychology, and strenuous physical training. In addition, students practice the art of driving an obstacle course at high speeds because they will need to do pursuit driving as State troopers. One instructor makes the observation that a good police officer should have a bit of the criminal in himself/herself to know how the criminal thinks and acts. The point is emphasized that a gun is given to police officers only for self-defense. Officers must react quickly to be able to defend themselves and their fellow officers. Common sense is very necessary in officers' daily activities. The training instills self-discipline and self-learning. Thus, graduates of the academy leave with a sense of responsibility, self-confidence, and a feeling of independence in knowing that out in the field, they must rely on their own abilities first.