Putting yourself through the academy

[Starsky95]

I've read a few people mention putting themselves through the academy. It was my understanding that you had to have an agency put you through. I was just wondering what you have to do to get into the academy without being on an agency already? And would this up your chances of getting a job?

[mjcek]

It varies state to state...

Some agencies will put you through (esp the larger ones), while others require you to have gone through an academy before you apply for a job...

I think putting yourself through an academy shows initiative, and could help when trying to get on with a department...

[pd821]

Puttin your way through the academy not only shows iniative,but also makes you more marketable to agencies that aren't looking to send an officer to the academy on there dime. To get into the academy, usually you'll have to take a written test,physical agility, and an oral board. After that they then conduct your background check. Most academies will let you start the academy even when your background is still being conducted. I put myself through two years ago and im glad i did. Towards the end we had agencies that would come in and attempt to recruit recruits without a job. Its a good choice to make. good luck

[SigFan]

Hi. I am thinking of moving to the Las Vegas area. Could you tell me if the self-enroll academy is fulltime or parttime? How long is it? What does it cost? Also, where is it and do you have a web link for it?
thanks

[pd821]

Theres one academy in vegas that has a self enroll option, its called Southern Desert Regional Training Academy. Along with self enrolled students is also recruits from other agencies. The academy is 22 weeks and is full time Mon thru Thur. I believe now there doing ten hour days, which gives u a much needed long weekend. The cost when i wetn through with tuition,uniforms,etc was about 2000.00, but the good part is, because the academy is affiliated with the community college you can get student loans to cover everything. I paid for school and my living expenses while in the academy with student loans.When ya look it up just type in the above academy name and it should pull up the site. Itll list the numbers of who to contact, drop me a line if ya need more info...good luck