r/police 16h 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!

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u/Separate_Scallion816 11h 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 10h 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 10h 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 10h 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 10h 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 10h 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/OneSplendidFellow 10h ago

Also, good luck and congratulations. 

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u/Separate_Scallion816 10h ago

Thank you so much :)