Southern MD Police Academy

[Magnum (Premo)]

I want to be a cop but I just can't take the paycut.

[Tomahawk202]

Yeah, there has been some good advice on here. Just to touch on a few things,

- Remember to have a life. When I went through, and well into after we graduated, alot of guys/gals would work all day, go home, put COPS on Tv, and open an issue of Galls. Dude, you were a human being before you put the uniform on, spend time with your family and remember it's just a job.

- Training. I can't stress enough, how important it is to train. I don't care what it is. EVERYTHING YOU LEARN IS IMPORTANT. Don't pay more attention in one area of the Acad, than another, because it's the little things in the boring areas that's going to either get you a) jammed up either admin or legally, or b) killed. So it's all important. Although PT is important, it's not the only thing. You can be in the best shape of your life, and still get "served" by a suspect. It's the other "tools" in your toolbox that help you get the job done, safely, quickly and professionally.

- My instructors were brutal. But the day after graduation, they took us out and bought every one of us a beer. You may h8t your instructors while you are going through, but in the end you will come to respect and admire them. Remember, they have been where you are "trying" to go.

- Have fun. The academy is unlike anything you probably have ever done in your life. ( unless you were in the service or something ) It's hard, but you will find out what you are made of. You will be pushed to the limit, and then some. It's all for your own good. When you are on RT. 6 in Nanjemoy, at 0200 in the morning, with a traffic stop, and it's snowing and sleeting outside, the driver shoves you and your back up is 45 minutes away, WITH lights and siren ( code 3 ) the only person you have to rely/count on, is yourself.

Sir, keep your ears and eyes open, your mind empty like a giant pool ready to soak up everything they teach you. Try hard, and never, ever quit, and you... my friend will do just fine. On behalf of everyone else on the job, welcome to the ranks !!!!! Godspeed....

[tom88]

Thank you for entering into a sometimes thankless job.

[waldo5252]

To everyone who has replied.....Thank you for all the advice. I truly appreciate it all and can't wait until the day I can call my self a police officer!

-chris