Week #19, December 25 - 29
Week #20, January 1 - 5
Week #21, January 8 - 12
Week #22, January 15 - 19
Week #23, January 22 - 26
Week #24, January 29 - 2
Week #25, February 5 - 9
Week #26, February 12 - 16
Week #27, February 19 - 23
Week#28 - 31, Feb 26 - March 23
Diary
Class 332: September 2000 - March 2001
Week #5, September 18 - 22
Week #8, October 9 - 13
Week #9, October 16 - 20
Week #10, October 23 - 27
Week #12, November 6 - 10
Week #13, November 13 - 17
Week #14, November 20 - 24
Week #15, Nov 27 - Dec 1
Week #16, December 4 - 8
Week #17, December 11 - 15
Week #18, December 18 - 22
Week #5, September 18 - 22, 2000
The week started with a bang - the Physical Training Pre-Test for Platoon B. Each recruit was scored on four tests: time for a mile and a half run; number of sit-ups in one minute; maximum weight in the bench press; and flexibility. An average score of 75 is necessary to pass PT.
Although the pre-test scores do not count for or against graduation, it gives the recruits a benchmark to assess their readiness to pass the Academy's physical training program. A failure in PT final means dismissal from the Academy.
Week #8, October 9 - 13, 2000
The big news at the Police Academy this week is that there may be no Police Academy next week. The Academy is going to become the Philadelphia Police College Campus. The plan is to offer more courses, more training opportunities, and the possibility that Cops will graduate from the Police College Campus with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. We will post more details next week.
Law is the major topic of study for week #8. More than half of the classroom hours are devoted to Law of Search and Seizure, Juvenile Law, and Laws of Evidence. The three hours of Force training with Sergeant Ebner should be a welcome change of pace.
There is no PT on the schedule this week. Many recruits are using the gym or running after class. It's probably a very good idea since the PT Pre-test were not too impressive.
Only one test this week (Patrol Procedures) so there's less pressure than last week when there were two tests: Crimes Code and Vehicles Law of Pennsylvania. Apparently those study groups and just plain hard work is paying off. Platoon B is looking good academically.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #9, October 16 - 20, 2000
Demerits have become an important concern for a few members of Platoon B. Any recruit who receives 15 demerits can be dismissed from the Academy and at least one recruit is right on the edge.
Arriving late at roll call or not having the required equipment can cost a recruit one or two demerits. Acts of insubordination such as not following a direct order can result in five or more demerits. As they enter the ninth week of training, members of Class 332 still have another 24 weeks to complete. If some the recruits don't shape up they're not going to be around for graduation day, March 30, 2001.
Law continues to be the major area of study in the classroom. New topics include Civil Law, Liquor Laws, and the Laws of Victims' Assistance. The only test this week covers some of the law subjects from Week 8.
Communications is the single biggest course for Week 9 with a total of eight hours over three days. Five hours of PT, two hours of Force training and four hours on Department Forms round out the schedule for the week.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #10, October 23 - 27, 2000
Deputy Commissioner Sylvester Johnson (who has since become the Police Commissioner) was at the Police Academy on Friday to administer the Police Oath to the members of Class 331. All the recruits who have successfully completed their training were officially sworn as Philadelphia Police Officers.
On Monday, the New Cops will begin assignments in Philadelphia's 23 police districts. During this is a four-week block of patrol training, the officers will have an opportunity to perform all the standard police function although they must be accompanied by a supervisor while on patrol. A month from now they will return to the College for their final weeks of training before graduation.
It's official. The Philadelphia Police Academy is now the Police College Campus. (The name has since changed back to the Philadelphia Police Academy.) A new sign on the front lawn at 8501 State Road was installed last week and changes in the curriculum have been discussed at numerous staff meetings. Those changes won't effect Class 332, but many areas of study are being revised for future classes. (The current training curriculum included 1042 hours of physical training, driver education, law, range training, CPR and first aid, and other subjects.)
In its tenth week of training, Class 332 faces another major test. The Law-4 test covers the numerous topics and hours spent on the law during week 9. Mental health law, law of controlled substances, domestic violence, civil law and victim's assistance will all be part of this Wednesday's test.
Most recruits did well on the Law-3 test last week, but a couple of people just made the passing score of 75. That is too close for comfort. Anything less than a score of 75 on an Area test is failing and if you fail two areas at the College your career in the Philadelphia Police Department is over before it begins.
A police officer spends the majority of his time communicating with the public, fellow officers and supervisors. The schedule for Week 10 acknowledges the importance of clear, effective, and reliable communications. It includes classes on many forms of communications including Public Speaking, Written Communications, One to One Communications, and Delivering Correspondence and Emergency Notifications.
The other major subject for the week is investigations. Beginning with a two-hour Overview, the recruits will then learn about Preliminary Investigations and Investigations Interviewing. Week 11 will continue the focus on both Investigations and Communications.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #12, November 6 - November 10, 2000
A dozen members of Platoon B got together to unwind on Saturday night. The first class party was an informal gathering at Jillian's in Northeast Philadelphia. It was a great opportunity for the recruits to relax and meet their classmates' significant others. Jillian's offers everything from rock bands to bowling lanes with dozens of giant video screens flashing ball games and MTV.
Both Platoon A and Platoon B will be at City Hall on Monday. The Class will spend a full day learning the rules and techniques of Testifying in Court. Taught by Attorney Brad Richman, this is one of the most interesting and important subjects in the Communications area. Presenting accurate, truthful, and professional testimony is not as easy as it might seem. Richman, a member of Commissioner Timoney's staff, is a skillful lawyer who has worked with the department for many years. He is also a colorful presenter who knows how to capture the attention of a class or a jury.
Platoon B completed their public speaking assignments last week with a variety of interesting topics. Everything imaginable from plaster to growing up in Philadelphia was presented with style. Many of the speeches were funny and more than a few were very personal and moving. Platoon A goes through the same process this week.
Plans are already being made for the New Cops video crew to follow recruits during their training assignments in the Districts. Because this four-week block of training is so important, Director Ron Kanter met last week with Captain Tony Boyle of the 25th District. In keeping with his commitment to training at the College and in his District, the Captain has offered his complete support to the documentary. Hold onto your vests, New Cops is going where the action is.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #13, November 13 - November 17, 2000
Class 332 began Week 12 in court and ended the week in handcuffs.
Week 13 includes the study of material that could be hazardous to the future of any recruit who isn't careful.
First thing Monday morning, Platoon A begins one of the most challenging areas of instruction given at the Police Academy. CPR and First Aid cover numerous topics from childbirth to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The week includes 26 of the 45 hours of instruction in this area and culminates with the CPR test on Friday afternoon. What makes First Aid an especially difficult area is the minimum passing grade which is set at 85 rather than the standard 75 of other areas.
B Platoon has a more varied week that includes the study of hazardous materials and various aspects of custody and arrest. Last Friday, the members of the platoon received their official department handcuffs and had a few minutes to try them out on each other. Some recruits needed to be rescued by a friend before P/O Bivenour demonstrated how to use the cuffs safely and effectively.
Last Monday all 98 members of Class 332 went to City Hall to learn about Testifying in Court. Attorney Brad Richman emphasized the importance of professional, honest testimony and discussed the rules of courtroom procedure that Police Officers need to follow. The recruits will return to the witness stand in early December.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #14, November 20 - November 24, 2000
Platoon A ended last week with the CPR test on Friday afternoon. Everyone is anxiously awaiting their test scores, because the minimum passing grade is 85 rather than the standard 75 of other areas.
The big question at the Police Academy, however, is the new recruit in the non-standard, black and white uniform and the bright red cap. A special training facility has been installed, but so far the trainee has not been willing to get with the program. If he doesn't learn to follow orders soon, this trainee could find himself in hot water, stripped of his uniform. (Check out the picture of this strange "bird.")
Week 14 continues the areas of study begun last week - First Aid for Platoon A and Custody and Mechanics of Arrest for Platoon B.
The first of the First Aid tests for Platoon A is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. By Friday afternoon the platoon will have completed all 45 hours of study in the area. The members of B Platoon will have to demonstrate their proficiency with handcuffs during the Mechanics of Arrest test on Tuesday morning.
The majority of classroom hours this week are devoted to various topics in the area of H.V.D.P. - Handling Violent and Dangerous Persons. Topics include Behavior Management Crisis Intervention, Handling the Mentally Ill, Dispute Intervention, and Hostage, Barricaded and Suicidal Persons.
When the recruits of Platoon B return from their Thanksgiving Holiday, they will have a presentation by the Internal Affairs Bureau and end the week with a test on Hazardous Materials.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #15, November 27 - December 1, 2000
Last week gave members of Class 332 a lot to be thankful for. In addition to a one-day Thanksgiving holiday, most of the recruits seem to have sailed through a series of tests with passing grades.
All the members of Platoon B successfully demonstrated their new knowledge of handcuffing techniques in the Mechanics of Arrest test on Tuesday morning. The results of Wednesday's Custody test and the Hazardous Material test on Friday aren't known yet, but most of the Platoon seemed to feel that neither test was too difficult.
There was also time for some lighter moments in the midst of a valuable learning experience. As part of the Handling Violent and Dangerous Persons area, Sergeant Judge conducted a series of role-plays. Recruit Officers responding to radio calls had to handle situations with mentally retarded individuals and domestic disputes. R/O Mario Rossi was especially effective as a husband with only one thing on his mind. R/O Nadirah Muhammad was outstanding in her portrayal of a retarded person trying to help her catatonic friend, played with unblinking perfection by R/O Hasan Long. (Note: Officer Long was shot and killed while off duty three years after graduating from the Academy.)
The H.V.D.P. area final is this Tuesday. Wednesday through Friday are devoted to Ethics taught by Corporal Farr.
Platoon A won't have much trouble knowing where to report this week. Week 15 is all about Firearms Training. Beginning first thing Monday morning, the platoon will spend all 35 hours of instruction under the supervision of the range staff.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #16, December 4 - December 8, 2000
Platoon B took a break from Ethics training last Friday to have lunch at La Padella, an Italian restaurant in Northeast Philadelphia. Two, long buffet tables held trays filled with shrimp, chicken, roast beef, pasta, sausage and peppers - more choices than you could possibly fit on a plate. Many of the Recruit Officers managed three or four trips to the buffet before reluctantly returning to the Police Academy for the final hours of class.
Corporal Farr conducts an entertaining but challenging ethics course. Among the issues recruits had to consider was how they would handle themselves when offered "perks" ranging from a cup of coffee to outright bribes. Another, particularly passionate discussion addressed what should be done if cops witness other cops violating department regulations.
Recruits wore their normal civilian clothes during the three days of ethics class, partly because "individual differences" is another topic of discussion. Ethnic stereotypes, derogatory slang, and cultural traditions were all discussed in the free-wheeling and enlightening exchange.
The class also considered the following question: Does Society have the right to expect a higher standard of morality and objectivity from police officers than the members of society are willing to follow themselves? Many members of the class expressed strong opinions before the group agreed that the answer had to be yes.
Class 331 returns to the College this week after five days of Scenario Training at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The Recruit Officers handled simulated jobs ranging from hostage situations to robberies-in-progress. All of the scenarios were based on real cases and were reenacted by experienced officers.
Platoon A has completed one week of Firearms training and will spend all of Week 16 completing its second week of study with the Range staff.
Platoon B moves on to two new areas in Week 16. Monday through Wednesday is devoted to learning proper use of the police radio system. Radio Role Play will familiarize them with receiving and responding to radio calls. Some time will also be spent learning to use the MDT (Mobile Data Terminals) in patrol cars.
Thursday and Friday the platoon will move to a courtroom in City Hall. Brad Richman acts as the judge. The recruits are witnesses and are grilled by real lawyers playing tough prosecutors and skillful defense attorneys. There is not much value to arresting criminals if they can't be successfully prosecuted. Testifying in court is another important skill that any well-rounded police officer needs to master.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #17, December 11 - December 15, 2000
Graduation day for Class 331 is Wednesday, December 13, at Temple University. By the end of this week, Class 332 will be the most experienced Recruit Officers at the Police Academy.
Time flies!!
Class 332 is now half way through its 32-weeks of training. As the recruits began Week 17, the curriculum required them to step up and make themselves heard in two areas of training.
At City Hall they were called upon to testify as the arresting officers in recreated, criminal trials. After studying the reports filed by real officers after actual arrests, the R/O's were grilled by lawyers playing the roles of defense attorney and prosecutor. The defense asked especially tough questions. Everything from the facts of the case to the officer's judgment and integrity were questioned as the defense tried to discredit their testimony. After the "trial" each recruit had a chance to review a video of their testimony and discuss it with a lawyer.
The course is conducted by attorney Brad Richman, Special Assistant to the Police Commissioner. Testifying in Court is a relatively new class; it has only been part of the training program for two years. It is an example of Commissioner Timoney's commitment to education and the extensive training that all new, Philadelphia police officers must complete.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #18, December 18 - December 22, 2000
Class 332 is now officially the "Senior" class at the Police Academy. Actually, it is now the only recruit class at the College. Graduation ceremonies for Class 331 were held last Wednesday, December 13, at Temple University. Class 333 doesn't enter the College until February, 2001.
Graduation Day for Class 331 was a special event in many ways. The department used the occasion to retire the badge number of former Police Commissioner and Mayor, Frank L. Rizzo. Until now, the department only retired badges of officers killed on duty. But as Commissioner John Timoney said, "this is the first time that a Philadelphia police officer has become the mayor of the city."
The Commissioner and Mayor John Street presented a plaque commemorating the event to Carmella Rizzo and her son, Councilman Frank Rizzo Jr. Also present in the audience was former Commissioner Joseph O'Neil who served under Mayor Rizzo.
Platoon B will be spending most of Week 18 learning how to use the Mobile Data Terminals. On Friday they will return to the study of First Aid and CPR.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #19, December 25 - December 29, 2000
When the recruit officers of Platoon A return from their Christmas holiday they will sit down to four solid days of training on computers and Mobile Data Terminals.
Platoon B will spend most of the week learning First Aid and CPR. This is a challenging area of study with a minimum, passing grade of 84. The first CPR test is Friday afternoon so everyone will have to work hard this week to insure that they begin the New Millennium on the right foot.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #20, January 1 - January 5, 2001
Happy New Year to the 98 Recruit Officers of Class 332 and the entire staff of the Philadelphia Police College Campus.
Ron Kanter and the New Cops staff were on vacation this past week. Read about the latest Recruits of the Week and check the training schedule for week #20. We will catch up on the Updates when we return.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #21, January 8 - January 12, 2001
The New Year and the New Millennium bring new experiences and new challenges for the Recruit Officers of Class 332. The first major snow storm of the year hit Philadelphia the day before the Eagles football team was to host a National Football League playoff game at Veterans' Stadium. Class 332 was called upon to help keep the peace by removing all the snow (and the potential for snowballs) from the stadium.
Under the supervision of Sergeant Lanzetta and Corporal Lee the class worked from midnight Saturday to 10 am Sunday morning. With only pots of baked beans and tepid coffee to keep them going, the recruits did a great job. The Eagles won the game and not a single snowball was seen on national television.
The CPR test took a heavy tool on B Platoon. Three Recruit Officers failed the test. That means that a total of five trainees now have one area failure. A second failure in an academic area means dismissal from the Police College Campus. With another first aide test still ahead of them, the trainees will have to focus on their studies when they return to the classroom.
For the next two weeks, B Platoon will be at the pistol range for firearms training. It's an exciting step. For many of them it will be the first time they have ever fired a weapon.
Platoon A will be spending the week learning emergency vehicle operations and the use of the mobile data terminals. The week ends with the final test on handling violent and dangerous persons.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #22, January 15 - January 19, 2001
Week 21 ended with a warm sunny day and a welcome contrast to the cold and rain with which the week began. Platoon B spent all five days at the pistol range, so weather was an important consideration.
The recruits were psyched about learning to shoot. Firing a weapon is a new experience for many R/O's and the dress code for the range is comfortable, casual. On the other hand, a wet day at the pistol range is no stroll in the park and a chilly reminder that police work goes on in all kinds of weather.
Platoon A split the week between inside work and outside training. Part of the time the recruits sat in front of a computer learning to use the Mobile Data Terminals. At other times they were behind a steering wheel, either practicing radio communications or learning to drive an emergency vehicle.
The Emergency Vehicle Operations Course includes high-speed driving through a serpentine course in front of Valor Hall. A number of red, rubber traffic cones met an early death as the trainees learned how to maneuver a police cruiser through the narrow, twisting lane marked by the cones.
Platoon A will complete the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course this week and then spend Thursday and Friday on Urban Disorder Training. The Republican National Convention last summer made it clear that urban disorders require a special set of tactics and techniques. Among the new experiences the recruits can look forward to are maneuvers executed in cooperation with the department's mounted unit and a few surprises from Sergeant Ebner's bag of tricks.
Platoon B has another week of weapons training. Week #22 includes a night shoot and working with shotguns. Thursday will take the trainees inside the FATS (FireArms Training Simulator) trailer where they will test their newly acquired skills against a computer. The Firearms Training Simulator uses video screens to present potential targets that move much faster than the silhouettes at the range. Things happen quickly and it is not always clear when to shoot and when to hold your fire. Shooting fast is important; thinking fast is critical.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #23, January 22 - January 26, 2001
For many Recruit Officers Firearms Training is the most enjoyable two weeks at the Academy. Dress is casual, most of the hours are outdoors, and firing a weapon is new, exciting experience.
B Platoon's second week at the Pistol Range included a broad range of training activities. In addition to shooting to qualify with their weapons, the recruits had a night shoot; they learned to handle a shotgun; and they shot the "badge course". Badges are awards given for superior marksmanship. There are three levels: Distinguished, Marksman, and Expert. Although the final scores have not been announced, it is clear that many of the recruits will be proudly wearing badges in the near future.
Another highlight of the week was facing the Fire Arms Training Simulator. FATS uses videodisks and an 8 by 10 foot video wall to challenge R/O's with fast moving, difficult situations. Many require fast, accurate shooting, but it's not always easy to identify the bad guys; and the force continuum specifies that the use of deadly force is to be reserved for life-threatening situations.
The instructors can vary the video scenarios. One time the job will go smoothly and everyone complies with the officer's directions. The next time the same situation can explode into violence without any warning. Keeping a clear head and a steady hand is difficult when your heart is racing and an automatic weapon is blasting at you. It’s a great way to get real-world experience, learn from your mistakes, and still go home healthy.
Another milestone was reached this week when everyone in Class 332 was fitted for a protective vest. It is a clear signal the end of training is approaching and patrol duty is coming soon. Like many things at the Academy being fitted for a vest is more important than it may appear to a casual observer. If the vest is too large, it will not fit comfortably with the other equipment an officer must carry. It will make it difficult for an officer to move easily and do his or her job. A vest that is too small exposes more body mass and undermines the whole reason that it is being worn.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #24, January 29 - February 2, 2001
The latest set of challenges for B Platoon came on four wheels last week. A valid driver's license is required of all recruits, but many class members never had a license before taking the job. A few rubber traffic cones gave up their lives trying to show the trainees the path to success.
Under the calm guidance of Lieutenant Smyth and Instructors Harron and Clinkscale, the recruits learned to handle patrol cars and wagons. Many of the recruits had never driven a full-sized, four-door sedan before - let alone driven one in reverse. They had to navigate through a serpentine, handle tight curves, and make quick changes of direction. Backing up and turning 90 degrees was one of the most difficult maneuvers.
It was fun to learn new driving skills and the more experienced class members worked hard to help the new drivers catch up.
Final scores from the pistol range were posted and the best shot in Class 332 was Jacqueline Venafra. Many of her family members are police officers, but Jackie is the first female in her family to be on the job.
The driver training continues for two days in Week 24 before the class begins two days of Urban Disorder Training. Recent demonstrations in Seattle and at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia made it clear that civil disobedience and even riots are always possible. The recruits will learn special formations used for crowd control and how to work cooperatively with the department's mounted officers.
The week ends with the last First Aid test. It is the last remaining academic hurdle between the recruits and graduation. Two, area failures means dismissal from the Academy. If everyone can pass this exam, Class 332 will have completed the academic part of the training without loosing a single recruit.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #25, February 5 - February 9, 2001
If there was ever any doubt that the training curriculum at the Police Academy is serious business, it was clarified moments after the First Aid test last week. One Recruit Officer failed to score the minimum, passing grade. It was the trainee's second academic failure. The rules are clear - two failures and you are dismissed from the program.
By the end of the day, equipment and books were collected, good-byes were exchanged, and the Class 332 roster was diminished by one trainee. He was a hard worker with a positive attitude, the Recruit Officer will be missed by everyone.
The Urban Disorder Training included two days of excitement for B Platoon. On the first day, the recruits saw films of riots and other urban disorders. The second day they put on helmets and learned formations designed to control or disperse crowds, protect fellow officers and facilitate arrests.
Tactics included the use of batons and verbal commands and emphasized safety for both the officers and the protestors. Synchronized squad formations and maneuvers were practiced repeatedly, first at a walking speed and then on the run.
The importance of psychology in crowd control was apparent in many of the maneuvers. Tall, wide officers were placed at the head of the formation. Movements were slow and deliberate. Coordinated, loud, foot-stomping steps announced the power and strength of the formation. The message to the protestors is clear - leave the scene before any direct confrontation becomes necessary.
One of the most effective techniques in crowd control is the use of mounted police. Four officers from the city's mounted unit brought their horses and demonstrated their very special skills. A couple of the horses were huge, and even the smallest horse is an intimidating presence when handled by a trained police officer.
The last make-or-break test before Field Training begins on February 19, is the PT exam. There are four components to the Physical Training test: trunk flexion (flexibility), bench press (upper body strength), sit-ups in one minute, and a timed 1.5 mile run. The standards for each part of the test are different, depending on the individual's age and sex. For example, a male 30 to 39 needs a time of 10:47 in the run to receive a grade of 90. A female, 30 to 39 must complete the mile and one-half course in a time of 13:43 to receive a score of 90.
Each Recruit Officer must pass the fitness test with a total average score of 75%. Platoon A will be tested on Wednesday and Platoon B on Friday.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #26, February 12 - February 16, 2001
Last week included two major events for Class 332 - the PT test and the announcement of district assignments for Field Training. Unfortunately, three Recruit Officers will not be able to participate in field training. They failed the PT test and will spend the next 30 days working on their strength and conditioning before taking the test again.
Passing the PT final requires an average score of 75 on four tests: a mile and one half timed run, the bench press, timed sit ups, and flexion (flexibility). Many recruits are in the best shape of their lives after six months of Physical Training at the Academy, but passing the PT test is still a major challenge for many individuals. Those who didn't pass last week will remain on the payroll for 30 days while they prepare to try again. A second failure will end their careers with the department.
Field Training assignments created many smiles and a few frowns. Most of the recruits would be happy with any assignment - they are ready to go. For some, the assignments raised issues, large and small, that they will face throughout their careers. It is a long drive to the 8th District if you live in 12th. Last Out is a difficult shift for a single parent or a Recruit Officer whose spouse is on day work. And then there is the question of what to expect - is it a busy district or a relatively quiet part of the city? One trainee knew the district to which she was assigned all too well. "I'm going to be locking up my friends!" she said.
The Recruit Officers will be sworn in on Friday, February 16. This is not graduation. Police department policy requires this so that during field training they are authorized to carry a weapon and vested with full authority to perform the duties of a police officer. During Field Training they will participate in all the activities of the district. The only difference between them and regular officers is that a supervisor must accompany them when they are on patrol. After 26 weeks at the Academy they will finally have an opportunity to put their training into practice in the real world. It is the moment they all have been waiting for and a critical test of their preparation for the job.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Week #27, February 19 - February 23, 2001
They are officially Cops!!! All the members of Class 332 who successfully completed their training were sworn as Police Officers last week. Deputy Commissioner Johnson administered the oath on Friday, February 16. Training is not completed, but the next phase, Field Training, requires that the Officers be certified so that they can carry a weapon and perform the duties of a Police Officer.
Each Officer is assigned to a District for the next four weeks. Field Training includes 144 hours of patrol under the observation and guidance of an experienced patrol supervisor. The purpose is to give the new Officers as much on-the-job experience as possible and to acquaint the Officers with as many patrol situations as practical including a minimum of 60 hours of driving a patrol vehicle.
An additional 16 hours are devoted to operations and administrative functions. Included in these hours are familiarization with Operations Room procedures, an introduction to the departmental Computer Messaging System and exposure to Cell Room and Five Squad duties.
The class has been divided into three groups. Group A will work day work (8x4). Group B will work night (4x12) for the first two weeks and then the groups will rotate for the next two weeks. Officers assigned to Group C will work the Midnight Tour (12x8) for the entire month.
It's an exciting time for the new Officers. They will be working in 21 districts in every part of the city. Many will make their first arrests and one or two may even need to use their weapons. This is the real thing when what they learned at the College will be applied to practical situations. Stay tuned for some great stories.
One of the last training exercises before Field Training was Car Stops. An everyday occurrence for any Officer on patrol, a routine car stop can suddenly become a lethal confrontation.
Platoon B was challenged with an extensive variety of situations. Lieutenant O'Donnell, Sergeant Ebner, and Officer Lee played the civilians being stopped. Occasionally they cooperated. More often they didn't. They ran away, refused to get out of the car, swore at the Officers, fought with them, and more than once, pulled out a weapon and tried to kill them. It was a striking preview of what the New Cops can expect as they begin Field Training.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Weeks#28 - 31, February 26 - March 23, 2001
From February 19 through March 16, the Recruit Officers of Class 332 are participating in Field Training in Police Districts throughout the city.
Field Training includes 144 hours of patrol accompanied by an experienced patrol supervisor. The purpose is to give the new Officer as much on-the-job experience as possible and to acquaint the Officer with as many patrol situations as practical including a minimum of 60 hours of driving a patrol vehicle.
An additional 16 hours are devoted to operations and administrative functions. Included in these hours are familiarization with Operations Room procedures, an introduction to the departmental Computer Messaging System and exposure to Cell Room and Five Squad duties.
The class has been divided into three groups. Group A will work day work (8x4). Group B will work night (4x12) for the first two weeks and then the two groups will switch shifts for the next two weeks. Officers assigned to Group C will work the Midnight Tour (12x8) for the entire month.
It's an exciting time for the new Officers. They will be working in 21 districts in every part of the city. Many will make their first arrests and one or two may even need to use their weapons. This is the real thing. What they learned at the Police Academy will be applied to real-life situations that require rapid, professional responses. They will make decisions that will affect their future and the lives of people in the community and their fellow Officers.
.:BACK TO TOP:.Stay tuned for some great stories.
