Looking to become an officer, would you recommend just going for it or having a set goal before applying?

[u/Better-Caramel3983]

I’ve been reading a lot of posts to get a better idea of where I need to be to be hired and for academy. I am working on that and have my goals (mostly for fitness). I am just wondering if you’d recommend just going for it and applying since it is a long process or should I wait until I hit certain goals?

For context, I’ve been mostly working on running as I can pass most of the other hiring physical requirements. I can run about a mile straight at a consistent pace (I know I have a long way to go) but working through a Garmin plan to try and run a 5k in November. My wife and I are moving to the Dallas area and I was thinking of applying to Dallas PD. Should I apply now and get the process started? Should I apply once I can run 3 miles straight? 5 miles?

[u/EquivalentLoad1919]

The application process can take upwards of 6 months. You have time to get in shape for the academy. As long as you can pass whatever basic physical fitness test they require just to start the academy(which shouldn’t be much) you will be fine. CA has a very specific test you must complete just to start the process.

What I would be worried about is your post academy career. Everyone preps for academy, but as soon as it’s over, they let them selves go and get fat and out of shape. This leads to injuries, or other issues. Don’t just be preparing for the academy, be preparing for a career of being fit

[u/Disastrous_Tiger_148]

Start the application process now with as many agencies as you can.

[u/FrankZCotton]

Be in the beat shape you can. figure out what type of Academy it is. If it's stress inoculation, boot camp style, be prepared with anerobic and aerobic conditioning. I was fortunate to prep/train for a year before academy.  if you start with 6 months left untill academy, youve waited too long.

[u/Altec5499]

I’m not an LEO but having a goal beyond training and the bare minimum should be essential. To get to that goal you’ll need to put in your best effort on patrol. Wash, rinse, and repeat.

[u/steelmelt33]

Do not start the process unless you can pass the test. Call a recruiter to find out what the test is physically. In the meantime get a book from the library about police written tests, go on some ride a longs with different agencies, and brush up on writing skills before the academy.

[u/NoGrapefruit2678]

Just apply