Academy Update

[Farrside]

Greetings all,

It's been quite awhile since my last post. I'm now in week 6 of a 32 week academy here in Dallas. We started with 38, but due to military recalls and test failures we're down to 35. I'm sure more will follow in the months to come.

This is my second academy, and I can honestly say this is definitely more academic. We are told there will be more academics until after we take out TCLEOSE exam, then it will switch to more practical exercises.

I'm just waiting for 10 May 2002, Graduation Day.

Take Care!!!

[STRENGTH&HONOR]

Thanks for sharing your experiences in the hiring process and at the academy. I have been reading your posts with great interest. Please keep them coming. I signed a conditional offer with Dallas last monday and passed the physical and psych. I was told to call next monday for the official word. It looks promising but the uncertainty is brutal. I believe they are only waiting for my prints to come back. Please share some words of wisdom regarding the academy. I have military experience, but I have no idea what to expect and could use any advice you care to give.

[Mongo]

Thanks for the great update....keep 'em coming....and good luck.

[Farrside]

I know it's probably premature, but congratulations Strength&Honor. I think your class starts in December. Your Class number will be 272. I'm in Class #271.

Your military background will help, but don't think this is going to be like basic training. That was my mistake. Your classmates will come from every walk of life with different experinces. Many have never been subjected to the military and don't understand the concept of marching, or D & C.

The one piece of advice I can give; study, study, study. There are tests every Monday. Depending on the subject matter, the test could be over numerous subjects. If you fail a test, you get one retest. If you fail the retest, you get recycled to the next class. There will be 2 from my class in your class.

For the first few months there will be more academics involved than hands on. After you take the state test to become a certified peace officer, then you get to wear the regular uniform of a Dallas Police Officer.

One thing you may want to consider is investing in some business wear, if you don't already have some. We wore shirts and ties for about a month before switching over to blue Dickies and white Oxford shirts.

I may also suggest getting ahead of the game and start checking into a place to live. There are several apartments around the area and you can do a search and find many. I live in Arlington and it takes about 25 minutes to get to the academy.

If you have any further questions or need help just PM me. Let me know when you get the word and I look forward to meeting you in December.

Stay Safe!!!

[geodetective]

Good to hear from you, Paul. I'm glad things are going well for you and your wife up in Dallas. Are you still looking in to Army CID?

Geo (Blake)

[STRENGTH&HONOR]

Thanks for the advice, but I will wait until at least Monday before I accept any congratulations. I have the clothes covered (years of employment in sales), and I have tentatively lined up an apartment in Duncanville. I checked out a few during my last visit.
I am waiting until Monday to sign the lease; I hope its still available. If the place in Duncanville falls through I will be looking in Grand Prairie and your area. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated. My wife and I are looking for a nice one bedroom less than $700/mo. I have a German Shepherd which makes things more difficult. I have some ideas from realtor.com and apartments.com, but its best to have eyes on the objective.

I'm looking forward to meeting you too; I only pray I get the opportunity.

Good luck with your classes.