Academy Training Will Be Tough

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Smaller communities often will hire new recruits who have not completed police academy training, but attending such training likely will be required to advance past probationary status. Larger cities or state police forces likely won't consider candidates who have not attended an academy.

Expect the training to be difficult. Maybe you'll succeed academically, but you'll find the physical fitness grueling. Or you're physically strong but have trouble passing tests.

Add to that the stresses associated with having to qualify with a firearm, or demonstrate proficiency in defensive tactics, first aid, and driving, and you easily can understand why law enforcement training can take its toll.

On top of that, there's a higher than average chance of getting hurt; plenty of recruits and cadets across the country wash out of their academy classes due to injuries sustained during normal ​training.