Careers: Police/Academy

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/15/2008


Question
Sir,
My question pertains to entry into police academy the first of August.
I am the oldest in the class, (45), with many of the recruits half my age.
I am 6-1, 212 lbs, athletic build, 20 pushups, 20 situps, 15:45 in the mile and a half run.
These stats are close to the pass criteria, but not quite.
Working out every day, but the running is tough!
Will I get left behind in this class ?

Thank you for your time sir.

MDR

Answer
Hey Mike,

LOL you are in better shape than half your class I am willing to bet. You will not get left behind, and I am willing to bet you will show up a lot of the younger guys.

Things that we recommend for prep exercise for the academy are to not only do the push-ups and sit-ups, but also take a gallon milk jug, fill it with water about 3/4 full. While sitting and watching TV (if you do that) hold it out in front of you for a few minutes (until you really feel the strain) then out to the side, and then switch arms. This builds muscle endurance for firearms shooting. It also will help in other upper body strength demands.

We build everyone up. We know coming in that most people are not in shape or the best shape they could be in, and we work on that. You will be fine, they will build you up, not try and leave you behind.

The oldest recruit I have had is a 73 year old!!! And he was un-believable. He outran, out push uped and out scored everyone in his class. Of course he was the one exception out of millions. This guy could run a 14:30 mile and half coming into the academy.

I have had quite a few older (over 35) recruits, and they are usually those guys that are retired military or trying out a second career. Either way they always do better than most of the class.

Physically, you will be fine, if not one of the top guys in the class so no worries there. Your more mature (at least most 45 year olds are), and have a lot more life experience to draw on for solving problems.

You will more than likely also become one of the, if not the, father figure in the class. Lead by example, let the younger guys look up to you for your attitude and perseverance. So them that even if an "old guy" like you can do this and do it this well, then they have no excuse.

Good luck and you will do fine.

Careers: Police

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Chris Wagoner

Expertise

I have been a police officer for 30+ years! I am the Police Academy Commander at the Santa Fe College, Institute of Public Safety in Gainesville Florida It is a full service Law Enforcement and Corrections training facility. I can answer most questions concerning law enforcement procedures, law enforcement training and general questions about law enforcment. I can also answer questions about becoming a law enfocement officer. I have a booklet and web page I have written that answers many questions about how to become a police officer called "So you want to be a cop (police Officer) in Florida?", which is free, Google it.. All you have to do is ask. I teach the following subjects: RADAR/LASER, Law Enforcement Driving, Law Enforcement Firearms and Patrol Techniques, Officer Safety, WMD's for Patrol Officers, Application of Law, Communications skills, Dealing with the Mentally and physically handicapped, and many more subjects. I have worked as a subject matter expert for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and helped to write the police curriculum for the State of Florida. I like answering questions about how to become a police officer, and questions about why did an officer do this or that type questions. I also like answering any questions you may have about police work in general. I do not mind helping with homework questions or trying to answer your questions about legal subjects that I have knowledge of. You will never know the answer until you ask! If you do ask a question, PLEASE take the time to at least rate the answer. I do not get paid to answer these questions and do it on my own time. If you ask, please rate it when I answer. Thanks!!! If its a question about becoming a police officer, it may be answered here: http://sites.google.com/site/flaleohelp/ My "hobby" website - http://www.youtube.com/user/3rdID8487 Military Videos on YouTube and Facebook!!

Experience

I am a 30+ year veteran police officer, I am currently the Police Academy Commander of an Academy in North FLorida. I have been training police officers since 1993 and have trained them in all aspects of law enforcement, including firearms, Driving and legal subjects including patrol techniques and others and training all over the world. I have trained over 5000 officers worldwide in the last 16 years of training.

Publications
I am a published author in Accident Investigation from the University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management. Also have written and published on the Internet, "So You Want to be a Cop (Police Officer) in Florida?" you can Google it..

Education/Credentials
I have 2 degrees, in Criminal Justice.

Awards and Honors
Phi Theta Kappa, plus 50+ Departmental Awards over the years. FBI Directors award for assisting in a Nationwide investigation into Child pornography.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.