Recruit Training

General Information & Preparation

The Kansas City Missouri Regional Police Academy serves multiple metropolitan area law enforcement agencies. While the Regional Police Academy is not a residential academy, life at the Academy entails long and difficult days. The Entrant Officer generally begins the day at 7 a.m. and ends the day at 4 p.m.

Entrant Officers must be flexible in their schedule as training opportunities often change with short notice and a variety of training may take place during non-traditional hours. Before submitting an application, the applicant should ask themselves if they have the drive, dedication and physical ability for success. If the applicant is not participating in a physical fitness regiment prior to their appointment to the Academy, they will find themselves far behind the minimal goals of the Academy fitness program. To enhance learning and the ability to transfer the learning to the field, the Academy is based on Adult Learning/Reality Based instruction, while Order and Discipline still remain as foundations for building character, self worth, integrity and team work. Entrant Officers are expected to meet established goals and objectives, while following direction.

The Entrant Officer is paid while attending the Academy and, generally, all equipment and gear is provided. An intensive academic venue is followed in accordance with Missouri P.O.S.T. standards as well as additional areas of instruction. Missouri P.O.S.T. rules are strictly adhered to and each block of instruction is consistently tested to ensure Entrant Officer comprehension and application. Entrant officers are expected to perform well during the entire training process.

Currently, Academy time consists of 28 to 30 weeks of instruction. Multiple Observed Performances along with a Practical Integrated Exercise take place each quarter to evaluate the Entrant Officers' achievements. Prior to receiving approval to take the Missouri Peace Officers Licensing Examination to receive their certification as a Peace Officer in the State of Missouri, the Entrant Officer must pass one week of Situational Training and receive approval by the Director. Entrant Officers are also encouraged during their time at the Academy to participate in a charitable project or event such as adopting a family or attending a run to benefit a cause. This is done on the Entrant Officer's own time away from instructional hours.

Class unity, teamwork and community spirit are emphasized.

Preparing for the Academy

Prior to arriving at the Regional Police Academy as an Entrant Officer, the staff of the Basic Training Section have made months of preparations to receive you. While this is an exciting time in the life of the Entrant Officer, the first few weeks can be hectic and fast paced.

Proper preparation will assist you in your future success in the program. Below are instructions on a variety of items that can impact the move into a structured learning environment.

Physical Fitness: Exercise/Yoga/Guided Combat Breathing/Health & Fitness/Stress Management

Entrant Officers complete a regimented physical fitness program which begins during the first week and continues through the final week of training. The workouts progress from utilizing body weight to lifting weighted bars. Entrant Officers are also introduced to yoga, which is practiced approximately two times per week to assist with flexibility and overall health. Guided combat breathing is taught and practiced throughout the time in the Academy. Tips for health, fitness, and stress management are included in the physical fitness program.

The Physical Training & Defensive Training staff also incorporates CrossFit into the physical fitness program. CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program and is the physical training program of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. KCPD is proud to be one of only a few nationally recognized non-profit CrossFit Law Enforcement Affiliates.

One’s level of physical fitness is directly related to their ability to function successfully as a police officer. Potential Police Academy recruits are encouraged to begin preparing themselves to meet the physical demands of the Police Academy and of being a police officer. The following is a sample one-week workout you can do at home with limited space and no required equipment. This program can be repeated as often as desired.