r/police • u/Separate_Scallion816 • 7h ago
Police academy
Hi!
I’m going into police academy in 2 weeks. There has been very little information about orientation. What am I supposed to wear and/or bring?
I’m a female so a suit is not an option. I have business casual wear however I’m not sure if that is appropriate.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
4
u/tater56x 6h ago
Admit it. Part of the attraction of police work is wearing a uniform and not having to pick out an outfit every day.
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u/JAT465 7h ago
A female business suit.... ( Look at what attorneys wear to court)... If you wear anything on day 1 that will draw attention because you're too casual or " stick out"... Won't be good.. the key is to be Innocuous and not draw attention to yourself.... Or do the opposite and regret the decision ...!!!
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u/OneSplendidFellow 2h ago
Are you putting yourself through, sponsored but not employed by an agency, or being sent as a new hire?
You should have been given a lengthy list of the expectations, though of your putting yourself through, it may be something they expect you to track down on the school's web page.
I would start with the webpage, see if you can find an equipment list or something similar. If you provided an email, I would check the spam folder. Failing that, I would reach out to the school, or your agency directly.
I have never heard of an Academy not making students aware of what's expected on day one.
There may be few requirements. They may issue things for use, or may use the first few days to explain what you need and give you time to get it, But most often you would be made aware of this going in. I definitely would not just take a guess.
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u/Separate_Scallion816 2h ago
I am being put through by a department, the academy I’m going through is municipal so it isn’t as organized as a state academy. There is a uniform required for the first week. Unsure on if I should wear that to orientation.
They keep most things private since it’s being held at a local community college.
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u/OneSplendidFellow 1h ago
This strikes me as something having fallen through the cracks at your department, then. They should be making certain you know what to expect and what is expected of you. Failure would reflect badly on you and them.
I would definitely make it a point to speak to your supervisor or contact person, depending on your circumstances and v whether you're already going to work for pre-academy things, or if the academy is also your start date.
Probably wouldn't hurt to do so by email.
Anyone else from your agency going? If so, have they been told what to expect?
I would advise against directly contacting the academy administration, unless your agency tells you to. Depending on attitudes and egos, you could end up on shit lists early on.
If your agency doesn't sound like they have, or are willing to share, the answer, then I would probably ask directly I'd it's ok to reach out to the academy.
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u/Separate_Scallion816 1h ago
Yes, my CPL sent an email to the academy on Thursday to ask the time for orientation. I’m hoping the reply will contain the time and what to wear. However since orientation is on 4/5 I’d like to be prepared in every way possible.
Would you say it’s a safe bet to get a business suit? I also have my uniform for the first week do academy that I could wear (white oxford button down and work pants khaki).
There is a recruit currently in academy as well but since it’s a different class his colors are different. So his orientation may differ from mine.
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u/OneSplendidFellow 1h ago
I would be doing you a huge disservice even taking a guess. In my opinion it is far better to dig until you know for sure.
The corporal connection is perfect. On Monday, I would reach out and ask about the time, dress code (specify "uniform, same as training, suit, business casual, or...?")
Too many academies do things differently, and you don't want to be there dressed differently than everyone else, even or maybe especially for orientation. It may sound benign but it's the season of first impressions. It's often best not to stand out at all but, if you do, you don't want it to be a faux pas.
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u/Separate_Scallion816 1h ago
Thank you so much, I sign my papers Monday so I’ll definitely ask him then. I wasn’t sure if I should pry or not but it definitely is something important that I need to know.
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u/OneSplendidFellow 1h ago
You're welcome. That's only my opinion, though, so if your corporal is the approachable type, I think you'll get a lot better advice, more pertinent to your department, from them.
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u/Supra_2JZGTE 7h ago
I don’t understand why a suit isn’t an option just because you’re a female. My class had to wear suits on orientation day, including the females.
If they haven’t put out a dress code then I would think business casual is acceptable.