Never been in a fight

[av8er]

Im kinda small 5'11, 130 lbs. But I have always wanted to be a police officer. I have never been in a fight and am kinda worried I wont be able to take care of my self. I can pass the push ups and all the physical agility test, but I'm not sure I if I could take care of myself on the streets.

I assume the training at the academy will prepare me. Just wondering your thoughts on this and if anyone else felt like this.

Thanks

[acreature]

That's what the training is for ;)

[acreature]

And no, I didn't.

[lindat2957]

I can tell you this, the academy will teach you the methods and help build confidence to use those methods but only you can find the gumption from within to apply it to real life.
You will get in fights. Some of those fights will be alone. Failure to engage can get you or someone else killed.

If you are just not sure what it will be like, try taking a karate class or something with the physical contact. Before you hit the streets you should know that you can and will fight, not still be wondering what might happen.

[Babysmamadrama]

If you are male and weighing in at 130 you better eat some more red meat. You are going to get tossed around alot, even with your gear on.

Hit the weights and work the bag. Hit the road for cardiovascular endurance. You need some confidence in your ability to square off with the BG's when diplomacy fails.

Good luck to you.

[fatboyjim154]

Go sparing at a local boxing gym. Once you get battered someone 100lbs heavier than you, you'll realise your nose will/can only throb for so long.

I hate fighting, makes me feel sick every time it happens. Unfortunately I work on a Div'n where bar/pub fights are a local sport.

Also it's not the size of the dog in the fight. In the size of the fight in the dog!! ;)

[mcsap]

I am 5'6" 165 lbs and have been in a few tussles, fights, tackles etc. You NEED to add some size to your 5'11" frame. The above mentioned advice was good. Now go get bigger. You will need it at some point.

[marchaa]

The biggest thing that matters is self confidence. In law enforcement you have to be able to talk to people and project to them that you mean business and you are willing to back up whatever you say. I have seen very small people put the hurt on big guys. You need to feel confident enough to still have control of your thoughts and emotions during a fight. Generally if you have trained right and you can control what you are thinking you are going to win.

Everyone has their own system of how they do things. For some martial arts is an option. The guys in my department that have taken martial arts think they are the greatest thing since sliced cheese. But when it comes time to fight they flail around like little girls. Self confidence is the key.

[lindat2957]

they flail around like little girls. Self confidence is the key.

Hey now... :D
I absolutely agree though self confidence is key. It is something I would work on before the academy though, they will eat you alive in the academy if they sense you don't have it.

[Star]

But when it comes time to fight they flail around like little girls. Self confidence is the key.

I bet THIS LITTLE GIRL could beat your butt, marchaa! ;)

If you've never been in a fight, smack your grandma. If she kicks you in the dirt, you're in trouble. :D

I agree with the martial arts training. You should get into something like that before entering the academy. It builds strength and confidence. It's also great for body/soul and a lot of fun.

No, I never felt like I couldn't take care of myself on the street. I grew up in Miami, Fl.

[Darin]

If you've never been in a fight I can assure you you WILL before getting out of the academy.

[Lfpdlieu302]

you'll get training in the academy. as old bill mentioned however, its the size of the fight in the dog, not the size of the dog that wins the fight. the first thing i would do is drop the mindset that you currently have.....being afraid to fight. just deal with the fact that you will fight somone, you will win, and you will go home that night. the rest is training and experience.

[Retired Trooper]

You problaby will not get in that many fight because of your size ( unless you just suck at talking to people ) but still some and you need to be prepared. From what ive seen the smaller the officer the less likely people are to try them. Thats just what ive seen and my 2 cents.

[retdetsgt]

You wouldn't be hired by my dept at that height and weight. It's off the charts, proportionally.

[Kenpokev]

I'll add in on the martial arts training. It will help build your confidence and a decent club will serve ample servings of humble pie, you don't truly get one without the other. I'd recommend Krav Maga, Jujitsu, Kenpo, Kajukenbo or a mixed martial art hybrid. The training will put a little meat on your bones too...BTW how old are you? Part of your low weight may be age-based metabolism. My 16 Y/O son is nearly identicle dimensions as you, however he can bench about 180 and uses his leverage very efficiently. I didn't weigh over 150 'til I was about 24 years old. Time, work and discipline.