The Police Academy is 27 weeks long and includes more than 1,000 hours of instruction. Recruits are trained in the basic knowledge, skills and abilities required of a police officer, as well as advanced subjects such as tactics, use of firearms and emergency vehicle operations.

Physical fitness and defensive tactics training are integrated throughout the Academy on a daily basis.

Topics covered include:

• Criminal, constitutional and civil law

• Firearms training

• Criminal investigations

• Report writing

• Patrol procedures

• Traffic enforcement

• Police administration

• Professionalism and ethics

• Human relations and diversity

• Vehicle operations

• Defensive tactics

• Physical conditioning

Academics in the Academy can be intense. Courses cover multiple disciplines in a short amount of time, requiring active classroom participation and ongoing evaluation.

All instruction at the Academy is based on Adult Learning Theory, which is significantly different from the formal education processes you likely are familiar with from elementary, high school and college. At the Academy, you will be expected to be a proactive participant, use appropriate problem solving and decision making skills, demonstrate understanding through practical application, and display comprehension at various levels.

Good study habits are essential. You can expect to study an average of four hours each night in order to be successful.

Exams include written tests, a final comprehensive written exam, a critical policy test and the Nevada Police Officer's Standards and Training (POST) test. Recruits must pass the Nevada POST test to be certified as a police officer.

Additionally, there are practical tests for each instructional unit, including firearms training, defensive tactics, fitness training and emergency vehicle operators course.