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Question
since i don't have the money to go to college for a degree in law.Is there a way that i can buy certain books to study before entering the police academy so i can have a certain idea of what to expect
Hi Anthony,
There are several self study books out there for different states to help you study for the state exams you have to take. But books that help you prepare for the police academy, well I have not heard of any of those. That might be a really good topic for me to maybe write one on huh?
You really don't need a degree in law to be a cop, quite honestly we do not use the law that way, we more or less apply the state laws as they are written and let the courts argue the finer points.
I might suggest studying the state laws in the state you are in, and maybe also studying the criminal justice system of your state (courts, corrections system, law enforcement agencies). I would also suggest that you get yourself into good physical shape. Many states, like here in Florida require that you undergo physical training while in the police academy. In fact the State of Florida is working on physical training requirements for all police academy applicants. It has not been finalized yet, but data is being gathered right now to figure those requirements out.
As far as what to expect in the academy, most are the same in the basics, no matter what state they are in. Most have you go through some physical training, and law (mostly criminal and traffic laws), driving, defensive tactics, firearms, first aid, investigations, communications skills, report writing, and other various subjects.
I might suggest talking to some officers or police recruits in your area that may be able to give you an in depth look at what they are currently doing. You didn't say what state you are in, if you are in Florida let me know and I can point you to a more detailed description.
Good luck and be safe!!!!
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Answers by Expert:
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.
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