Lapd Pat

[notoriousrich]

I have a question. Whats the pt training in the academy like. I heard that they have this program in the academy for recruits who are not in shape. Is that true? how is the running like? is pt training in the mornings or does it change.

[MrBug708]

They have a pre-academy program called CAPS which helps you prepare. I would not go into any academy not near perfect shape however. If you are going in with the mindset that they'll help you get in shape at the Academy, you'll probably "quit" before you graduate. The LAPD does have...how shall I put this...a "remedial" PT Academy that you go to for a month if you don not meet certain requirements physically

[mtxpro752]

PT is when ever they want you to do it. B/C of hazing issues from the 90's PT can no longer be used as punishment, now it it used for MOTIVATION. Go to CAPS if you can, I didn't and I was sure wishing I had on day #3 of the academy. They had remedial PT when i went but never saw anyone go to it.

[Kieth M.]

PT times will change throughout your time at ARTC. Your start/EOW times adjust month-by-month due to classes coming in, moving on to Davis/EVOC.

Here's the deal...if you can't get to the CAPs program right now, start a running program. Get good, I mean good $100 running shoes from an athletic shoe store. If you're not currently a runner, start with a half mile 4X a week for the first week, then 3/4 mile for the next week, then a mile.....build up as best you can. Once you can run three miles w/o any strain, you might be alright. Don't forget sit-ups, push ups, and pull-ups as a part of the fitness routine.

[lapd4me]

If you're serious about this career, PT, PT, PT. My class lost a record number of recruits in the first week to the pork chop platoon (we later gained back about half of them because there wasn't enough room in the "academy training program"). If you're an individual, then skip the PT to get the personal attention you crave. Some of my fellow recruits didn't PT as much as they should have and they're constantly the focus in PT. In fact, those who didn't PT hard enough (it's not like we'll get into a fight on the job in LA or anything...) are also having the most difficulty in other areas of academy training.

I HIGHLY recommend CAPS. They'll square you away, and if you've never been in the military, it'll help you with the little stuff that will make you look like a slob such as marching and some of the rules and regulations you'll run into.

For PT in the academy, it varies, especially with this new program. Sometimes it's in the morning, sometimes mid-day, and sometimes we'll end the day with some good ole' PT. Expect to sweat a lot, lose your breath, do pushups and situps until your muscles shake with fatigue, and then get about five minutes to shower and change into your suit. Just remind yourself that it's good for you and builds character.