Academy personnel

[cal911gal]

The PT staff all look too young to be 'long time' vetrans, and I know that at least one of the current classroom instructors graduated in the last few years.

I know one of the PT staff, who looks like they are about 18, but in reality are much much older and have been on about 10 years, maybe more :smile:

['86 Samurai]

How are they chosen? I would presume that many are long time veterans, but to what degree?

[D]

Positions are based on vacant slots and your departmental seniority. I wouldn't say most are long time veterans, most are people who want to promote, want to work "normal hours", want a break from the road, or just want to get closer to Sacramento.

[Your Mentor]

Seniority has nothing to do with selection. I served in the Academic Unit twice. Some expertise in the subject matter followed by the ability to teach is what they're looking for. Some are senior while others are not. All special duty assignments are based entirely on resume and interview. At the Academy, an interview means teaching a topic for ten minutes to Academy staff. My first tour I had nine years field time and was considered relatively salty. My second tour I had fifteen years. And my reason for teaching had nothing to do with any of D's suggestions. I just enjoyed teaching. I had no desire or need to get off the road (and missed it every day), didn't want to be in, around, or near Sacramento AT ALL, and still haven't promoted. It was enough to be in the classroom with cadets, create new material and cirruculum, work alongside highly motivated and dynamic peers, and basically look forward to going to work every day. It's a headquarters unit but not like any other HQ unit. It's fun, interesting, and energy driven.

[pupdog]

The PT staff all look too young to be 'long time' vetrans, and I know that at least one of the current classroom instructors graduated in the last few years.

[NorCalN00b]

Do academy personnel get the same pay as Chippies working road patrol?

[Your Mentor]

Everyone in the same pay grade gets paid the same no matter where they work in the state.

[Darth Choke]

Seniority has nothing to do with selection. I served in the Academic Unit twice. Some expertise in the subject matter followed by the ability to teach is what they're looking for. Some are senior while others are not. All special duty assignments are based entirely on resume and interview. At the Academy, an interview means teaching a topic for ten minutes to Academy staff. My first tour I had nine years field time and was considered relatively salty. My second tour I had fifteen years. And my reason for teaching had nothing to do with any of D's suggestions. I just enjoyed teaching. I had no desire or need to get off the road (and missed it every day), didn't want to be in, around, or near Sacramento AT ALL, and still haven't promoted. It was enough to be in the classroom with cadets, create new material and cirruculum, work alongside highly motivated and dynamic peers, and basically look forward to going to work every day. It's a headquarters unit but not like any other HQ unit. It's fun, interesting, and energy driven.

And every day in his class was a breath of fresh air, a true learning experience, and a LOT of fun.

[Slim]

Seniority has nothing to do with selection. I served in the Academic Unit twice. Some expertise in the subject matter followed by the ability to teach is what they're looking for. Some are senior while others are not. All special duty assignments are based entirely on resume and interview. At the Academy, an interview means teaching a topic for ten minutes to Academy staff. My first tour I had nine years field time and was considered relatively salty. My second tour I had fifteen years. And my reason for teaching had nothing to do with any of D's suggestions. I just enjoyed teaching. I had no desire or need to get off the road (and missed it every day), didn't want to be in, around, or near Sacramento AT ALL, and still haven't promoted. It was enough to be in the classroom with cadets, create new material and cirruculum, work alongside highly motivated and dynamic peers, and basically look forward to going to work every day. It's a headquarters unit but not like any other HQ unit. It's fun, interesting, and energy driven.

And every day in his class was a breath of fresh air, a true learning experience, and a LOT of fun.

I'll vomit for you YM.

[Your Mentor]

Thank you for the compliment Darth. I really do appreciate it. And thanks for vomiting valleydre. I'm always happy when I don't have to that myself.

[Darth Choke]

:evil:

[10-7]

Some say "Those that can do, do. Those that can't, teach". Of course, I would never say anything like that. I wouldn't even repeat it (oops). Just some locker room talk that I heard once....or twice...
I've even heard the term "road dodger" used about a thousand times, but I, for one, refuse to believe that :rolleyes:

[RodeoChippie]

Some say "Those that can do, do. Those that can't, teach".

I don't agree 100% with that. I have been doing for almost 21 years and I love to teach. I am a part time instructor at a local police academy. Its nice being able to impart some of what I've learned over my career to future officers. The pays not bad either. But you definitely have to like what you are doing to teach.

I've even heard the term "road dodger" used about a thousand times, but I, for one, refuse to believe that
Here is where I think there is a distinction between the Academic Unit and the Staff Services Unit. I see some (not all) Officers using an Academy assignment for reasons other than mentoring Cadets. Granted, administrative assignments look good when you are trying to promote. But what can an Officer bring to the table when he/she is just recently off probation and has very little road time and now is in a Staff Services position? Personally I think its a disservice to the Cadets when the only reason you are at the Academy is to bolster your resume for promotion or get closer to home sooner.

[SB 405]

How much road time does an Officer need before he/she can teach at the Academy?

[Your Mentor]

The 'official' line is that all officers must do two years on the road before being considered for special duty assignments or promotion. It's written in stone for promotion. Not so much for special duty assignments.

[chpsto]

The 'official' line is that all officers must do two years on the road before being considered for special duty assignments or promotion. It's written in stone for promotion. Not so much for special duty assignments.

As a rule, HQ managers want staff with as much knowledge and experience as possible. It all depends who puts in for each opening. Sometimes, you end up with a very junior (or senior) person with minimum qualifications. Other times, you get a very experienced person who is there for all the right reasons. I agree with Your Mentor on the type of person best suited for the Academy. The imposters who are there only for promotion or seniority bypass stand out like a sore thumb. It only takes about 10 minutes for cadets to figure out who is the real deal.

Currently, there are quite a few applications for Academy positions. IMHO, this is based on the perception that the Academy is back in the "take care of business" mode. Staff are empowered to do their jobs and are supported in their professional opinions. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In those times, applications decrease and you end up taking what you can get to fill a position.

Also, in response to an earlier poster, both Academic and Staff Office positions serve a different, yet equally important purpose. Many of the Staff Officers and PT staff have appropriate experience AND a sharp personal appearance and bearing. Remember, this is basic training, not Officer In-Service. Instilling pride, work ethic, and a high level of motivation are the most important tasks for cadet training. In this regard, the Academy staff does an overall excellent job, even though they might not be the instructors of choice for Advanced AI, etc.

[Your Mentor]

The 'official' line is that all officers must do two years on the road before being considered for special duty assignments or promotion. It's written in stone for promotion. Not so much for special duty assignments.

As a rule, HQ managers want staff with as much knowledge and experience as possible. It all depends who puts in for each opening. Sometimes, you end up with a very junior (or senior) person with minimum qualifications. Other times, you get a very experienced person who is there for all the right reasons. I agree with Your Mentor on the type of person best suited for the Academy. The imposters who are there only for promotion or seniority bypass stand out like a sore thumb. It only takes about 10 minutes for cadets to figure out who is the real deal.

Currently, there are quite a few applications for Academy positions. IMHO, this is based on the perception that the Academy is back in the "take care of business" mode. Staff are empowered to do their jobs and are supported in their professional opinions. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. In those times, applications decrease and you end up taking what you can get to fill a position.

Also, in response to an earlier poster, both Academic and Staff Office positions serve a different, yet equally important purpose. Many of the Staff Officers and PT staff have appropriate experience AND a sharp personal appearance and bearing. Remember, this is basic training, not Officer In-Service. Instilling pride, work ethic, and a high level of motivation are the most important tasks for cadet training. In this regard, the Academy staff does an overall excellent job, even though they might not be the instructors of choice for Advanced AI, etc.

VERY well put. I think there is a logistical component as well. Most senior officers have settled into home ownership, raising kids, and generally living their lives securely and routinely. Very few are willing to uproot and apply for a position which is temporary from the outset. You're held to a 'contract' which states you must teach for a minimum of two years but no more than four years. In all honesty, this is a mistake. Teaching police education is a skill just like auto theft investigation or accident reconstruction. Anyway, offer a limited term position which requires you forgo annual vacation, demands zero time on deadlines, and puts you in the spotlight daily; chances are you won't find too many senior officers with an interest. It's really too bad. I can think of several individuals who would make up the 'dream team' of instructors and ensure cadets get the optimum in instruction and perspective.

In all frankness, working the road is easy as compared to teaching at the Academy. The 'hiding from the road' concept is completely lost on me. I taught two, two-year tours, and was relieved to return to the road after each tour. The work load in the Academic unit far exceeds that of the busiest beats in the field. There are duties most officers would not expect; such as legislative bill analysis, which is like writing an 11-80. I gave up more of my off-duty time to the department while teaching just to grade assignments. Still, I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. Ultimately, I live to work the road. And it's that passion that drove my passion for teaching.

[Chippysgt]

When I went through the academy in 1966 they had some instructors who were really good as well as excellent role models for new officers. Some of the names I remember were Dave Allen (aka Lurch) who finished his career and went on to head POST, as I recall, Officer Ron Van Rajc who was our PT guy and reached high levels in the Dept, Ed Flamm who taught First Aid and retired as a captain, can't remember the first name of Valdez but he was smooth and smart. Officer "Mother" Medlin was our staff officer and he was not out to earn points or find fault. He was a rock you could lean on and he was a sage who gave good advice.

My experience was so positive back in those "Good Old Days". I felt like I was learning from the cream of the crop and I think that was factual. I would like to think that there are still some instructors who have walked the walk and are there to share life saving informaion. I am sure YM was one of those invaluable assets.

[chpsto]

In all frankness, working the road is easy as compared to teaching at the Academy. The 'hiding from the road' concept is completely lost on me. I taught two, two-year tours, and was relieved to return to the road after each tour. The work load in the Academic unit far exceeds that of the busiest beats in the field. There are duties most officers would not expect; such as legislative bill analysis, which is like writing an 11-80. I gave up more of my off-duty time to the department while teaching just to grade assignments. Still, I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. Ultimately, I live to work the road. And it's that passion that drove my passion for teaching. [/quote]

Amen to that! Anyone who as ever been an FTO or sat in AI has just a glimpse of how difficult it is to read 100 plus versions of a cadet's first CHP 216 or 202. Bill Analysis is right up there with watching paint dry in the excitement department. As YM mentioned, the real satisfaction of working at the Academy comes from seeing your cadets grow and succeed in the Department. When you read the daily MIS and see they've been involved in a big caper, you take satisfaction in knowing you played a small part in their careers.