Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

I am a new (female) recruit for LASD. Monday is the first day of PT. I am scared, mainly because of the "unknown". What can I expect the first day? :confused:

Has anyone else been through STAR? I will take any and ALL advice you give me. I can't wait until Monday is over so I won't have the anxiety of not knowing what to expect.

Thanks. ;)

First, assuming you are Not one of the many recruits with the extremely questionable backgrounds and/or pisspoor attitudes that we've been allowing into the academy in recent years, good luck!

First day (and throughout)? Expect to be pushed and prodded - mentally, physically, and emotionally. Expect your limits to be tested. Expect to screw up and have to write gig papers. Expect to see some people cry; some throw up; some quit. Everything in the academy is done for a reason - some recruits choose not to see it or accept it. IMO, the academy should be tougher but that won't fly with all the touchy/feely/over-sensitive types out there ( :rolleyes: ).

If you have not done so already, you need to take today and tomorrow and mentally prepare yourself. How badly do you want this job? What are you willing to go through to get it? How much do you want to learn and how well do you want to do?

Btw, they (academy staff) are Not going to show you All their cards on the first day (and the "worst" parts do Not only last the first couple of weeks)! Also, waiting until the weekend before to start asking questions is not a good habit to get into - hopefully, you've been preparing...

In general: manage your time wisely, study hard, don't sandbag unless you're nursing an injury, be responsible, stay focused/motivated, help your partners, be humble and respectful, be a sponge - not a rock, and don't do anything stupid enough to get yourself kicked out (especially in the last couple of weeks).

Thanks for the advice. I have been preparing for awhile, so this is not a last minute inquiry. It's just that when you go into the academy everybody has advice for you, and it's all different. I don't want personal perceptions, what I need is facts. You know how it is, everyone seems to know what's best for you.

Good luck tomorrow!

Good luck tomorrow!

Same to you. You'll be just fine. ;)

Why I went out and bought a new suit and shoes is beyond me. I was prone on my face outside doing push-ups and jumping jacks the very first day. We didn't impress our instructors too much that first day, and I didn't think the day would end. Keep your mouth shut, and your ears open. Samuel already loaded the barrel for what you need to do, now go execute. Good luck

I have recycled myself to the next academy class which begins in March 2006. I experienced a health issue with my heart while running. My resting heart rate was 200 and I could barely catch my breath. I felt like a car was sitting on my chest. I have no history of asthma or any other chronic condition. I need to get checked out by a cardiologist. Please pray for me because at this point I don't know what to expect.

Hey T,

That's weird! It didn't show up during your medical (treadmill stress test)? Hope it's nothing serious - your health and family are most important!

Good Luck.

Sampras2

Definately a good idea. Make sure your health is 100%. I hope everything checks out and you are ok.

Actually, an issue did come up during my stress test. My heart rate did get up to almost 200, but I stopped the test myself after 5 minutes because I felt light-headed like I was gonna pass out. The technician only noted that I was unable to continue due to a leg cramp.

I have not gone to the doctor as of yet because I am scared to death of what they will find. I have always had issues with running but I just figured it was because I didn't like it. After running daily on a treadmill to at least give my cardio a head start, I found that it didn't really get any easier for me as far as the fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc.

I am really, really scared. Please pray for me.

It's been nearly a month since you posted about your problems. You need to see a doctor. There's a perception among some that if you're not diagnosed with a medical condition, you don't have it. It's not true. The problem will be there whether you see a doctor or you don't. The doctor will just tell you what you're up against, and how to fight it.

Even if this is a deal-breaker for the academy, which I sincerely hope it's not, it doesn't have to be a deal-breaker for your life. Get to a doctor, get the problem figured out, and get it fixed.

It's been nearly a month since you posted about your problems. You need to see a doctor. There's a perception among some that if you're not diagnosed with a medical condition, you don't have it. It's not true. The problem will be there whether you see a doctor or you don't. The doctor will just tell you what you're up against, and how to fight it.

Even if this is a deal-breaker for the academy, which I sincerely hope it's not, it doesn't have to be a deal-breaker for your life. Get to a doctor, get the problem figured out, and get it fixed.


I know what you're saying is totally correct. I'm biting the bullet in the morning...I'm gonna call the doctor.

Thank you for giving it to me straight.

DeputyT, do you mind me asking your age?

DeputyT, do you mind me asking your age?

I'm 28.

You really should see a dr. That's awfully young! Could be a stress thing also.

You really should see a dr. That's awfully young! Could be a stress thing also.

I talked to the advice nurse and she said I should be seen within the next 4 hours!!! I have an appointment for 1:30 today, which is in 3.5 hours. I am so scared. I know I have something because I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, but I don't know what disorder it is. I'm nervous, but I'm going.

Thanks for your concern. I'll keep ya posted.

Back from the doctor...

I was told that I have exercise-induced asthma aggravated by stress. The doctor listened to me explain my symptoms very carefully and right away this is what he came up with. He gave me some meds for it and I have to go back for a follow-up. I just started the meds this morning and I haven't gone running yet to actually determine if they made a difference.

Did they give you Proventil (albuterol)? That stuff should really help! Only problem is that you need to take it before "exercising" and in LE work, you don't always know ahead of time when you'll be "exercising". IMnonexpertmedicalO, use it and see how it goes and then, if you can, try to "wean" yourself off of it as much as possible...

Glad to hear you got to the doctor. Of all the things that it could have been, exercise-induced asthma isn't the worst of them. I sincerely hope this doesn't negatively impact your academy training. Stick with the treatment regimen, and good luck!

I'm late to this thread. Dep. T what is you r status? Are you back in the academy? Good luck to you...