Week One of 'Post-Academy'

We returned to the academy for two more weeks of specialized training. All of my other classmates returned to their precincts for additional training while some actually hit the streets. We are now permitted to walk about the academy grounds freely and are addressed as 'staff' or 'sir' by the recruit classes we come in contact with.

This week started off with a half day at the firing range shooting 'stun-bag' shotguns. These are actual shotguns that shoot a small bag filled with pellets. These are meant to knock down or disable suspects without causing serious injury. Then, we got to practice with our handguns.

On Wednesday, we were isused the X26 advanced Taser. These things are serious tools and a blast to fire. We had targets made of foil that lit up with sparks when hit with the Taser probes. The Taser shoots out two metal harpoons (see picture -wires removed) that are connected by wires to the 'gun' part and then emits a 5-second shock of 50,000 volts. Just hearing the crackling bolt of electricity was enough to cause fear.

Thursday was 'Weapons of Mass Destruction' day. We were fitted for state of the art chemical suits complete with gas mask, gloves and boots. With the help of a partner, we put on our full suits and had all gaps sealed with tape. We must have looked like a nuclear disaster response team. At the end of the day, our field training officers came to meet us. These are the training officers that we'll be riding with once our post-academy is over.

Today (Friday) we received our police radios. These are top of the line radios with amazing features. I've been listening to mine all afternoon and can't wait to get out onto the street with these things. Later, we learned the corotid control technique (sometimes called the chokehold). When applied properly, this arm squeeze on both sides of the suspect's neck will cause a blackout in about 5 to 15 seconds. We tried it out on each other (not all the way to blackout) and found out first hand how effective it is.