Introducing "SacPD Academy 2"
Welcome to “SacPD Academy 2″. Four new recruits from class 07BR01 have stepped up to write for this blog about their experiences and insights as they make their way through the SacPD Academy. Our four recruit bloggers from academy class 06BR02 (featured in “SacPD Academy”) recently graduated and have moved on to their field training. Stayed tuned next week to meet our new recruit bloggers in “SacPD Academy 2″. First, here’s an update from the Sacramento Police Department Academy Commander, Sgt. Mike Lommori.
Sergeant Mike Lommori – Academy Commander
Bio: I have been with the Sacramento Police Department for 21 years. As an officer, I worked in patrol for six years, three of which were as a Field Training Officer – teaching and evaluating new officers; 12 years with the Crime Suppression Unit/SWAT Team; and as part of the Fugitive Crimes task force. While working in these positions, I had the opportunity to become a trainer to both veteran department personnel and SacPD Academy recruits. Training is an area that I really enjoy and find rewarding.
On April 26, the senior SacPD Academy class, 06BR02, graduated. The staff and I participated in the ceremony and watched the graduates with a sense of accomplishment. They had come a long way from a group of individuals not knowing each other, to a team who bled, cried and sweated together.
The graduation of 06BR02 made the junior class, 07BR01, the only academy class at this time. 07BR01 started on March 5 with 45 recruits. As of today, there are 38 recruits remaining. They are currently completing their 10th week of a 24-week academy.
After the graduation, I realized we had only eight weeks to get 07BR01 in shape so they’d be a good example to class 07BR02, which will begin July 9. (The way one class affects another is also something we have to keep in mind at the academy.) The corporals and I started the “shaping up” process immediately, now that we were able to give this class our full attention.
Inspections and harder physical training workouts are increasing. This class has been mostly involved with the academic portion of the academy with a little instruction in defensive tactics. Firearms training will start next week, followed by the emergency driving course. This will require long and physically demanding days with additional work on the weekends. Defensive tactics will be kicked up a notch as ground fighting and pugilistics are introduced.
The class will be pushed to the limit so they can be ready for the following final tests: the academy work sample battery test (physical training test); the 5-mile run; the 2 1/2-hour defensive tactics test with no breaks; six mandatory firearm tests; and emergency driving. In addition, the class will get tested on several scenarios with role players and evaluators, a report writing final, and more academic tests and quizzes. They will be expected to still turn in their assignments on time, and have their weapons and uniforms clean.
There is a saying, “The only easy day was yesterday.” These recruits are about to learn this lesson. Hopefully for all 38 recruits, these long hours of hard work will pay off when this class, 07BR01, graduates on August 16, and goes out into the real world.
