MOBILE, Ala. - The Mobile Police Department's 81st police academy class has begun its training program, with 25 students from various law enforcement agencies participating in the 14-week course. According to Lt. Scott Congleton, who runs the academy, the recruits come from a wide range of backgrounds, including ages ranging from 19 to 57.
The rigorous training program includes 560 hours of instruction, which covers physical training, defensive tactics, and proficiency with firearms at a shooting range. Students must also study the Alabama criminal code and review how to enforce statutes such as probable cause for arrest. The academy's fitness test is notoriously challenging, requiring recruits to complete tasks like running a mile and a half in 15 minutes and 28 seconds, pulling a 160-pound dummy, and pushing a car.
The process of becoming a Mobile police officer is arduous, with applicants required to pass a fitness test, background check, physical evaluation, psychological evaluation, and polygraph. Of the approximately 15 interviews conducted each month, only five to seven earn a spot in the academy class. About 10 percent of students who begin do not make it to graduation.
The Mobile Police Department is continually facing attrition due to retiring or leaving officers, making continuous recruitment essential. Deputy Chief Matt Garrett emphasized that the academy's goal is crucial for maintaining pace with officer turnover.
**Background**
The Mobile Police Academy has been in operation since at least 1945 (the year of the first class mentioned), and its training program has evolved over time. The current curriculum includes both physical and academic components, reflecting the changing needs of law enforcement agencies.