Rio Hondo Vs. Stars LASD Whittier

[ebdiesel]

Hey guys-

Had a quick question. Rio Hondo requires that all tests store be a minimum of 80% to graduate. Is that the same with LASD Stars center academy? Also, who has a more physically demanding academy? Running wise.. :o

[syphon157]

LASD tests are variable. Some might be that you need an 85% some 77% etc. Both are physically demanding however I believe LASD is more so. The LASD staff try and get you to be a PT 500 achiever. And to get a 500 score you need to be in exceptional shape.

[CHUCKnmnV]

EBDIESEL
You ever watch LASD's "academy" on t.v.? Their pt doesn't look too difficult. Some of their recruits were totally out of shape. If they can make it, you should have no problem.

[exComptonCop]

EBDIESEL
You ever watch LASD's "academy" on t.v.? Their pt doesn't look too difficult. Some of their recruits were totally out of shape. If they can make it, you should have no problem.

Do you believe everything you see on TV? You shouldn't knock something until you've been through it. :(

[MrBug708]

Rio Hondo is built into a hill basically. If you are going to that Academy, I'd train on surfaces that are not very flat

[LAschoolCop]

From what I remember from the academy (Rio Hondo Class 168) when it comes to the tests, the minimum passing score is set by POST.

[stevesbro50]

I'll be there the end of June....try 'n to get ready.

when you go, there is a day where you go and get a briefing on what to expect right?

and see the other recruits who are going to be attending also?

[LAschoolCop]

I'll be there the end of June....try 'n to get ready.

when you go, there is a day where you go and get a briefing on what to expect right?

and see the other recruits who are going to be attending also?

Yep and the staff will all be very nice and helpful.......until Day 0 when it all changes!! :eek::eek::eek:

[bigwillie909]

hose scores are POST mandated passing scores. Some are 88%

[McGruff]

Looking at the POST test pass points sheet, the lowest percentage to pass is LD 36 (Information Systems) at 73% and the highest is LD 20 (Use of Force) at 88%.

[KeenMedic]

At Rio Hondo you never stop running. You run up until the last week of your graduation. You start off at around 3 miles. In the 14th week you will be at 6-7 miles and for you're final run you will be around 9 miles although 14 miles is the record. PT is about 4 times a week. Usually a distance run, sprints, pool and weights. They really mix it up. I heard LAPD's academy you stop PT in week 13. I could be wrong...
Each Academy has their on style. Rio Hondo and LASD arrest tactics I believe are completely different. At Rio Hondo you will use the KOGA style. It is really hands on. I'm not sure what LASD uses.
Rio Hondo Tacs pretty well. The first week is orientation and the following Monday is considered "day 0". The first 3 weeks is a bunch of yelling.They get on you pretty good but ease off. You also get tac'ed at lunch regularly. Rio Hondo allegedly the 2nd ranked Academy in the state. However, i do not have a link to support that. CHP's Academy is ranked #1. All and all its pretty fun!

[mdrdep]

If you want an idea of which academy is best do this. Get hired by the agency you really want to work for, whichever academy they send you to is the BEST. Works for me but I'm LASD so I'll go with STARS

[McGruff]

Well if you google search "Best California police academy", Rio Hondo's site is listed first. :p

[LAschoolCop]

When I went through rio hondo it was tough and I think our EVOC was top notch (San Bernadino SD). Now rio hondo does it there which I think sucks, so LASO's EVOC is much better, but I think everything else is equal. Any Socal academy is gunna be top notch (Im not knocking Norcal, just no experiance with them), so you will be trained by the best no matter where you go!

[pulicords]

Hey guys-

Had a quick question. Rio Hondo requires that all tests store be a minimum of 80% to graduate. Is that the same with LASD Stars center academy? Also, who has a more physically demanding academy? Running wise.. :o

Who cares? Any academy you're fortunate enough to attend is going to have parts that are easier or more difficult than other academies or even prior classes in the same academy. Prepare for whatever you face and meet the challenge. Every class is different, as are every staff for each class. Part of the learning experience about attending a basic academy, is the ability to adjust to different situations. Be in shape, have an open mind and give everything your best effort. Good luck.

[pkagel]

Yea, but if you Yahoo search it Palomar comes up. Not that I went there but hey, just trying to be a contrarian.

Well if you google search "Best California police academy", Rio Hondo's site is listed first. :p

[pulicords]

Well if you google search "Best California police academy", Rio Hondo's site is listed first. :p

If you find it on the internet, it must be true! (Really? I though LAPD had the best academy. They always say that and I think I saw it on the internet too!)

[mdrdep]

Puli, one time I met the world's greatest street cop too. I know so because he told me

[pulicords]

When I attended LASD's academy, we had an instructor who had been a deputy sheriff, lateraled to LAPD (attended their academy) and returned to LASD. Since he'd attended both academies, he was in the best position to give us an evaluation on them.

He said that when he worked for LAPD, he was taught that it didn't matter what color the uniform was (blue, khaki and green, tan, etc...), "You are all LAPD and better than the rest of them!"

When he attended the LASD academy, he was taught the truth, "That it didn't matter what color your uniform was (blue, khaki, and green, tan, etc...) you are all cops and you're all better than LAPD!":D

[IMachU]

I went to Rio Hondo and LASD. Both are different, by far. Rio Hondo is a regional academy, and cater to their customer base (the departments that use them for training new hires). LASD academy doesn't cater to anyone. They do their jobs well. I can say, first hand (again, just MY OPINION now), that LASD's academy is better in many areas. I'm leaving this as a broad statement purposely.

[syphon157]

When I attended LASD's academy, we had an instructor who had been a deputy sheriff, lateraled to LAPD (attended their academy) and returned to LASD. Since he'd attended both academies, he was in the best position to give us an evaluation on them.

He said that when he worked for LAPD, he was taught that it didn't matter what color the uniform was (blue, khaki and green, tan, etc...), "You are all LAPD and better than the rest of them!"

When he attended the LASD academy, he was taught the truth, "That it didn't matter what color your uniform was (blue, khaki, and green, tan, etc...) you are all cops and you're all better than LAPD!":D

Preach!!!.....Preach!!!

[CHUCKnmnV]

The Orange County Sheriff's Academy is the toughest. 27 weeks long. Unfortunately, I hurt my back and had to leave after the 4th week. :(

Still trying to get back in the game

[Berlioz]

He said that when he worked for LAPD, he was taught that it didn't matter what color the uniform was (blue, khaki and green, tan, etc...), "You are all LAPD and better than the rest of them!"


The truth sounds so much sweeter when coming from the mouth of the enemy!:D Im j/k, obviously.

[L.A Sheriff]

The Orange County Sheriff's Academy is the toughest. 27 weeks long. Unfortunately, I hurt my back and had to leave after the 4th week. :(

Still trying to get back in the game



How can you say OCS academy is the toughest, when you only completed 4 weeks...lol :confused:

I don't know about that buddy. I went through Long Beach PD academy and we say that we have the toughest academy....even tho i don't work for them anymore. No one knows who has the toughest academy until they go through each one and I doubt anyone been thru all the academies they offer in california.

We can only go by word a mouth and they word is LAPD academy is a cake walk (they hold your hand thru out the process).... :D j/k naw, but all academies have their tough moments and easy moments. period. If your fit and can read and understand the material given, then its all easy.

[L.A Sheriff]

And one more thing to add.... LB academy don't recycle recruits when injured.. one chance one shot, thats it. Or go thru another background again and you might not get picked up the second time around (this has happen before). I don't like the way they run some things around the department, but thats LBPD for you.

[CHUCKnmnV]

[QUOTE=L.A Sheriff;1207054]How can you say OCS academy is the toughest, when you only completed 4 weeks...lol :confused:

Yeah, you're right. I shouldn't be talking. At least I'll know what to expect :D I'm just grateful the department gave me another job in the meantime!!

[MT2658]

POST sets the MINIMUM required scores for LD testing but each academy has their own required scores. LASD testing scores are a joke (or last least they were when i applied). LASD required 70%, rio hondo and fullerton are in the high 80's (90's on some exams)

[IMachU]

As I said above....LASD is a much harder academy all around. Rio Hondo caters to whomever pays the bills....many times it's us, many times it's been LA Airport Police, etc. There were recruits that were retained in Rio Hondo, even though others had been shown the door for the same violations, at the request of the employing agency. I've seen it personally. LASD will roll up someone regardless of what the employing agency wants if the recruit steps in it.

[DOAcop38]

As I said above....LASD is a much harder academy all around. Rio Hondo caters to whomever pays the bills....many times it's us, many times it's been LA Airport Police, etc. There were recruits that were retained in Rio Hondo, even though others had been shown the door for the same violations, at the request of the employing agency. I've seen it personally. LASD will roll up someone regardless of what the employing agency wants if the recruit steps in it.

YUP!! and at LAX we are paying the PRICE for it.Compare that to Port PD ,which used the LASD academy- recruits were like "night and day".This is not to say that rio hondo produces alot of bone heads,but I "noticed" the attitude of one Tac Officer from a tawny OC police dept who worked at rio hondo- she didn't know I was from LAX and made the comment that" oh well ,they'll be working at LAX-what do they need to know".......:mad:

No matter what academy, work hard,obey the staff,and learn all you can

[Ranger Hoot]

POST sets the MINIMUM required scores for LD testing but each academy has their own required scores. LASD testing scores are a joke (or last least they were when i applied). LASD required 70%, rio hondo and fullerton are in the high 80's (90's on some exams)

I do not know when it was that you applied, but just like you mentioned for Rio and Fullerton, the test score standards vary from LD to LD....including 90's on some. I do not recall an LD with a passing score of 70%, but there might have been one.

If you are concerned with the minimum passing score, then perhaps set your bar a little higher, and scores from other academies would be irrelevant.

I'm curious, at what point in the hiring process were you informed of the "passing scores"? Anyhow, if it was during the hiring process, then I am willing to bet it was from another applicant who heard from his buddy that applied some time ago......and so on.

[Sgt.Reality]

Is Commander Conti still in charge of STARS?


Just wondering?

[LA DEP]

Is Commander Conti still in charge of STARS?


Just wondering?

Nope....Captain Conte is now Commander Conte.....is he over at Custody Ops....

Capt. Susan Kopperud is in charge of AOT at the moment......

Unless you are talking about the Detective units at STARS.....That is Commander Pete Amico

[rangesgt]

*sigh*

Rio Hondo used to be considered one of the toughest around back in the day.

man I'm getting old.

[LA DEP]

*sigh*

Rio Hondo used to be considered one of the toughest around back in the day.

man I'm getting old.

Yeah....except when you went through, the call for assistance wasnt "Shots Fired Shots Fired"

It was "Flaming Arrows, Flaming Arrows":D

[MT2658]

[/B]

I do not know when it was that you applied, but just like you mentioned for Rio and Fullerton, the test score standards vary from LD to LD....including 90's on some. I do not recall an LD with a passing score of 70%, but there might have been one.

If you are concerned with the minimum passing score, then perhaps set your bar a little higher, and scores from other academies would be irrelevant.

I'm curious, at what point in the hiring process were you informed of the "passing scores"? Anyhow, if it was during the hiring process, then I am willing to bet it was from another applicant who heard from his buddy that applied some time ago......and so on.

i applied aug of 06. i am not concerned at all about the minimum passing score on LDs. my statement on the LDs was a response to the origional posters question about LASDs minimum score req. now to answer your question, during the background interview i was provided a sheet that stated the required scores for PT and exams which clearly stated 70%. i did not obtain this info from "my buddy." you can try to pawn off the low standards of your agency on me if it makes you feel better, i simply passed on the info i was provided.


"the academic requirements of the academy are demanding. you will be given a large amount of information in a relatively short period of time and be tested on this information throughout the academy. you will be required to pass each examination with a score of at least 70% or better. you must have an overall academic average of at least 70% to graduate. you should develope good note taking, reading comprehension and retention skills, and study habits prior to entering the academy."

[Sgt.Reality]

My bad on the typo

Dennis Conte is a well respected LAPD Captain that retired from Newton Div. They kept his photo up as acting captain 4 years after he left, major respect for the man. He was a Lt. of SIS when it was putting down bad guys left and right.

No supervisor of ANY rank can remember officers, or deputy's names like that man.

I met up with him when he was in charge of Century Jail eight years back. He took me on a tour and greeted at least 30 deputies, all by first name, not an easy task as a Captain with 30 years in the biz at that time. He's pushing over 43 years active now and still can be caught running Cardiac at Elysian Park academy in the morning. A great example to follow.

[IMachU]

Wait....he retired from LAPD and came over to the LASD, and is again a Captain? If so, that is quite an accomplishment!!

[Sgt.Reality]

LAPD, retired 30 years, took job at MTA as Captain, 6 years, Absorbed into LASO, 10 years, got promoted to Commander in LASO a couple years ago. LAPD did'nt have policy to take back a retired employee back in 98, they wanted Conte bad. They have since changed the policy so they don't miss out on a great person like Conte again.

[rangesgt]

Yeah....except when you went through, the call for assistance wasnt "Shots Fired Shots Fired"

It was "Flaming Arrows, Flaming Arrows":D

lol, I hated those! Seeing as we're the same age, I guess we both ducked our fair share of 'em.

[Ranger Hoot]

i applied aug of 06. i am not concerned at all about the minimum passing score on LDs. my statement on the LDs was a response to the origional posters question about LASDs minimum score req. now to answer your question, during the background interview i was provided a sheet that stated the required scores for PT and exams which clearly stated 70%. i did not obtain this info from "my buddy." you can try to pawn off the low standards of your agency on me if it makes you feel better, i simply passed on the info i was provided.


"the academic requirements of the academy are demanding. you will be given a large amount of information in a relatively short period of time and be tested on this information throughout the academy. you will be required to pass each examination with a score of at least 70% or better. you must have an overall academic average of at least 70% to graduate. you should develope good note taking, reading comprehension and retention skills, and study habits prior to entering the academy."

I stand corrected regarding the LD info handed to you during the process. I have never heard of that being done, but then again often times random inconsistencies pop up.

Having said that, I do know for a fact that each LD has a different minimum passing score and I believe all are well above 70. The majority sitting somewhere in the mid 80's and just like the other academies you named, a couple in the 90's.

There is a cumulative score achieved based on PT, exams (field and class) and scenarios...possibly attendance? This cumulative score is somewhere around 70. There is also a difference in the POST "score" vs. the Department score. A recruit will perform many tests that are not POST required.

I called you on your first post in this thread because you started slamming the LASD with what appeared to be little to no first hand knowledge. I didn't start flying off the cuff and slander your Ambo Co. (and I could have, I was a medic for close to 5 yrs :D). Way to slam a great Dept., with such low standards, that it is held in high regards amongst the LE community.

Good job high speed.

[MT2658]

I stand corrected regarding the LD info handed to you during the process. I have never heard of that being done, but then again often times random inconsistencies pop up.

Having said that, I do know for a fact that each LD has a different minimum passing score and I believe all are well above 70. The majority sitting somewhere in the mid 80's and just like the other academies you named, a couple in the 90's.

There is a cumulative score achieved based on PT, exams (field and class) and scenarios...possibly attendance? This cumulative score is somewhere around 70. There is also a difference in the POST "score" vs. the Department score. A recruit will perform many tests that are not POST required.

I called you on your first post in this thread because you started slamming the LASD with what appeared to be little to no first hand knowledge. I didn't start flying off the cuff and slander your Ambo Co. (and I could have, I was a medic for close to 5 yrs :D). Way to slam a great Dept., with such low standards, that it is held in high regards amongst the LE community.

Good job high speed.

"I stand corrected regarding the LD info handed to you during the process. I have never heard of that being done, but then again often times random inconsistencies pop up."
---stand corrected how? it was handed to me in the process like ive said in my previous post.

"Having said that, I do know for a fact that each LD has a different minimum passing score and I believe all are well above 70" if thats the case they should update the info they provide applicants. dont shoot me, im just the messenger. to me their wording "required to pass EACH EXAM with a score of 70% of better" includes learning domain exams. i interpret that as some ld exams will req 70% to pass and others will be higher. none of this info is any different than what i said in my very first post in this thread.

"There is a cumulative score achieved based on PT, exams (field and class) and scenarios...possibly attendance? This cumulative score is somewhere around 70." ---i understand that there is the cumulative score but that shouldnt be confused with the minimum score for exams.

"I called you on your first post in this thread because you started slamming the LASD with what appeared to be little to no first hand knowledge" --i didnt slam anyone. i said the test req for your dept was a joke, not the dept itself was. as for little to no firsthand knowledge, i explained where i received the info i passed on in the origional post.

[Sgt.Reality]

Gotta agree with the "be happy with whichever academy you are fortunate enough to be sent to" statement.

Rio Hondo class 107, LAPD academy as well. Happen to live near STARS center. Running wise, RIO takes the nod, but that is hardly a means to judge an academy by. Both will turn out well trained cops/deputies. I don't think they make recruits box each other at either like they did in my day, that should return based on what I've seen in the streets over the last 5 years with probationers (too many "shut downs" in fights).

I will say Rio definately is behind LAPD in firearms training. One thing LA does is make sure boots know how to operate their weapons systems.

And I will never condone mobile ranges in 45 foot trailers for qualification. Range time can not be substituted by a trailer or FATS, ever.

[Copp'rPenny]

Looks like we'll get another look at Stars (through Hollywood's eyes). "The Academy" starts its second season next week on Fox Reality. See http://www.foxreality.com/theacademy/

[Five-0fromSoCal]

Gotta agree with the "be happy with whichever academy you are fortunate enough to be sent to" statement.

Rio Hondo class 107, LAPD academy as well. Happen to live near STARS center. Running wise, RIO takes the nod, but that is hardly a means to judge an academy by. Both will turn out well trained cops/deputies. I don't think they make recruits box each other at either like they did in my day, that should return based on what I've seen in the streets over the last 5 years with probationers (too many "shut downs" in fights).

I will say Rio definately is behind LAPD in firearms training. One thing LA does is make sure boots know how to operate their weapons systems.

And I will never condone mobile ranges in 45 foot trailers for qualification. Range time can not be substituted by a trailer or FATS, ever.

LASD has always boxed, and still does. Our class also boxed Deps on the boxing team. That was a fun day.

[DOAcop38]

Wait....he retired from LAPD and came over to the LASD, and is again a Captain? If so, that is quite an accomplishment!!

LAPD hard core coppers are nothing ,if not, "persistent" in wearing the badge- one of classmates dads is Capt Sam Dacus- he left LAPD as a Lt II ,then ,last time I heard from him ,was running LASD- Marina Del Rey station as a Capt.

[DOAcop38]

Gotta agree with the "be happy with whichever academy you are fortunate enough to be sent to" statement.

Rio Hondo class 107, LAPD academy as well. Happen to live near STARS center. Running wise, RIO takes the nod, but that is hardly a means to judge an academy by. Both will turn out well trained cops/deputies. I don't think they make recruits box each other at either like they did in my day, that should return based on what I've seen in the streets over the last 5 years with probationers (too many "shut downs" in fights).

..Same here,especially at "ex-lax" PD where almost all of the officers ,currently the ones coming from the "new and improved"LAPD academy THINK ego and bluster actually WORK on real criminals(like it does granny arguing over a plane ticket at terminal #3) - the laugh riot starts when that SAME "real" thug starts swinging,and the newbies wonder "why" they got tossed up ! Back in the day I actually had classmates who straight up QUIT after boxing in the academy- it needs to be brought back- but then again,that would hurt the feelings of a over controlling city council and the soft touch -"nice and sweet" police mgm't drones...


I will say Rio definately is behind LAPD in firearms training. One thing LA does is make sure boots know how to operate their weapons systems.

And I will never condone mobile ranges in 45 foot trailers for qualification. Range time can not be substituted by a trailer or FATS, ever.

true that- with ED Davis trng facility and the emphasis on more than "target shooting"-LAPD does take that brass ring. i think Rio allows the participating agencies the responsibility to teach advanced firearms tactics. As for LASD? I think its a matter of cost over lack of desire to allow deputies shoot more often...