Week 1

First Week Down

First week down… only 17 to go!

With five days under their belts and already one short among their ranks, it is safe to say Week One was, as one trainee put it, “definitely an eye opener.” The 21st Session of the CSO’s Basic Deputy Training Academy started Monday (May 15, 2023) with a bang.

There were some ups and downs on the first day. Some trainees failed uniform inspections, while others had issues with tardiness. They were greeted with a loud “HIT THE LOT,” a phrase that will become familiar over the next 4 months.
“Hitting the lot” is a time-honored way to see who has the necessary discipline and drive to serve as a law enforcement officer. While they may be 17 different individuals, the academy class must learn to function as one and have each other’s backs. When one drops the ball, they all must pick it up. Not everyone is cut out for it. By day 2, one trainee has dropped out. The remaining trainees returned with fire in their bellies, determination in their eyes, and… wearing regulation uniforms.

“It’s been rough; not gonna lie,” said one trainee smiling. “I struggled, but I’m still here.”

Day 3 marks the first of three LAWFIT assessments. The class must run 1.5-miles, complete an obstacle course, bench press, and do as many push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and sit and reaches as possible. Instructors closely note each trainee’s results. Each assessment needs to show growth; by the third assessment, each trainee must pass with a gold, silver, or bronze assessment.

Already some trainees are beginning to emerge from the pack. One trainee broke an academy record by completing the obstacle course in 53 seconds. Academy Director Lt. Mercer called another trainee “the track star” after he completed the 1.5 run in the fastest time on the first day. Over the next 16 weeks, each trainee will push themselves further than they ever thought they could go. As a result, they will become faster, stronger, and fully trained in CPR, interpersonal communication, the law, OC spray, emergency vehicle operation, defensive tactics, rapid response, jail operations, and firearms.

With the first week behind them, the trainees are now looking forward. Each trainee had a different answer when asked what course they were excited about. One said defensive tactics. Another said, “Graduation definitely.”

But when asked which they were LEAST looking forward to, the answer was a resounding: “OC spray, definitely OC.”

Next week, instructors will continue forming them into trained and professional law enforcement officers. They will learn problem-solving, report writing, information technology, privacy/ access to records, and… of course… MUCH more physical training. Now….in the words of our academy instructors, “HIT THE LOT! “

Check back for Week 2 updates on May 26, 2023.