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Class Instruction
Character Counts
This class is designed to teach Recruits how to improve the society around them by first enhancing their own ethics and decision-making skills. The class revolves around the Six Pillars of Character – Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. At the end of this instructional series, Cadet Recruits have a stronger sense of what they believe and how they can use that knowledge to positively impact their own communities.
Drill and Facing Movements
One of the most important parts of being a Recruit is learning to work as a team. During their time in the Academy, Recruits develop teamwork through military drill and marching. The various exercises and movements require that each Recruit cease to focus on working as an individual and instead, synchronize their movements to all of those around them so that they all move as one.
Criminal Law
After graduating from the Academy, some Cadets have the opportunity to work alongside sworn officers at their division’s front desk, traffic or an assignment in Communications. Understanding the law is key for Cadets who want to work in these and other assignments, that stress their understanding of the law.
Public Speaking
Instructors will teach Recruits the important and necessary art of public speaking by giving them the opportunity to present on a variety of topics. They learn to speak in front of groups, organize and present ideas logically and convincingly and to listen carefully to the ideas of others.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict is an issue everyone encounters in their everyday lives and it is important that it is dealt with effectively and resolutely. Cadets will increase their awareness of conflict and learn techniques to resolve it.
Money Management
Cadets will learn the importance of saving, making sound spending decisions, and being fiscally responsible.
Life Skills
Cadets are taught important and essential life skills that will benefit them now and throughout their adult lives.
Nutrition / Fitness
Maintaining a nutritious diet and being physically active can contribute to us living long healthy lives. Cadets are instructed on the benefits of healthy eating and maintaining a fitness regimen that will contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
SID
Scientific Investigation Division is LAPD’s version of “CSI.” Criminalists from SID teach Recruits courses on evidence collection, lifting fingerprints, and making plaster molds of footprints. Through these courses, Recruits learn about the importance of observation skills and preserving scientific evidence at a crime scene.
Bomb K9
Dogs assigned to LAPD K-9 details are trained to find either people, narcotics, weapons or explosives. During the Cadet Academy, Recruits will have the opportunity to see a demonstration of how the Bomb K9s, who seek out explosives, and their officer partners work together to protect the public and save lives.
SWAT
During the Cadet Academy, recruits meet SWAT team members and are given instruction on the real role of SWAT within the LAPD and will see the specialized vehicles the team uses during its tactical operations.
Bomb Squad
The class taught by the Bomb Squad allows Recruits to see all of the specialized robots and vehicles that bomb technicians use to safely investigate and destroy the hundreds of explosives that patrol officers and citizens find each year. Recruits also get a chance to see what it’s like to walk in a bomb tech’s shoes by trying on the same protective suit the techs wear whenever they approach a potential bomb on a call.
Forced Option Simulator
The Forced Option Simulator, or “FOS”, allows Recruits to work through various patrol scenarios and use their own understanding of the law and the tools available to them to take decisive action. Time spent working with the FOS machine will give Recruits their best glimpse of what it is like to work under the same pressures as an officer and make split-second decisions.