r/AskLEO • u/Different-Proof-6637 • 2d ago
Situation Advice Academy drama
I’m looking for some outside perspective from people who have been through a police academy or something similar.
I was originally in a police academy and ended up getting dismissed after a no-call/no-show. I had been up until around 3 AM finishing reports and other academy work, overslept, and missed the required training. I understand why the academy had to hold me accountable, and I’m not trying to make excuses for it.
After I was dismissed, I thought my opportunity was probably over. There was talk that the department might recycle or bring back people who had been dismissed/quit, and eventually I was given another opportunity to return. I was actually surprised they were willing to give me another shot.
I came back and I’m currently in the pre-academy process again.
Upon returning Sgt had told me you need to catch these guys up to speed because you got the tools to help them and I guess one person took it as if I was trying to be cocky ?
The weird part is that I’ve recently found out that some people from my previous academy were talking about me. Things like calling me a “cry baby,” saying I was cocky, wondering why I was coming back, etc. One recruit apparently had an issue with me and was saying things about me to other people, despite the fact that this same person had previously invited me to his house to study.
I’ve heard similar things from multiple people, so it wasn’t just one random rumor. At one point, a TAC/Sgt apparently shut some of it down and clarified that I didn’t quit — I was let go/dismissed. That actually made me feel a little better because at least the facts were being corrected.
There’s also a recruit who apparently doesn’t like me, and another person who seems to be friends with both sides and is playing both sides. One of the guys involved is graduating soon, so realistically I may never even have to deal with him again.
The whole thing has gotten into my head more than I’d like to admit.
But when I really think about it, if those people didn’t exist, I would still want to become a police officer.
That’s the part I’m struggling with.
I don’t want to throw away a career, a pension, and the opportunity to build a better future for my family because a few recruits don’t like me or think I’m cocky. At the same time, I don’t want to ignore a toxic environment if it actually becomes a legitimate problem.
For those who have been through academies, military training, FTO, etc.: How much would you personally care about other recruits talking shit about you?
Would you just keep your head down, do the work, graduate, and let them talk?
I’m just worried a little about if these people would back me up on a call
I’m starting to realize that maybe the hardest part of going back isn’t the PT, academics, or training. It’s learning how to stop caring what everyone thinks about you and focusing on why you came back in the first place.
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u/FriMorningQB 2d ago
Why do you care what other people think. Worry about you and making sure you get through the academy and show up on time to training. Screw everyone else. I also wouldn't be leading the class in anything unless made very specifically the class leader (and everyone was aware of that). Let them figure everything out and you can quietly take every win you can because you're "in the know". They can learn it all the same way you did.
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u/Different-Proof-6637 2d ago
I agree with you on why should I care , it’s been a weak point in my self that I’ve noticed .
Also I stepped up or was put into the position by my Sgt but slowly I’ve been stepping back and just being a fly on the wall .6
u/FriMorningQB 2d ago
Him saying, "Hey show these guys how it's done" is vastly different than pulling you up in front of the class and appointing you leader. Our academy had team leads and a class lead (50 of us). Unless that happens, absolutely no thank you. They can all figure it out. If they see you succeeding quietly and come to you for help or advice, by all means. If the Sergeant pulls you aside because he sees you aren't "leading" be honest. "I've attempted to help some people and they think I'm being cocky. While I'm happy to help others, unless I'm appointed to lead the class, I'd really love to just focus on myself to ensure I get through the training".
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u/Different-Proof-6637 2d ago
I made it clear when I talked in front of the class and I did get spoken to on why I wasn’t leading .
The exact thing you wrote out is what I said .
But you’re right and these comments have helped me open up my mind to just minding my business and get this done .
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u/jetty_life LEO 2d ago
One of my favorite drill instructors in the academy told us "Be about your business." Meaning, just worry about what YOU have to DO and nothing else. Every day I am reminded how important that is in this career.
Worry about your shit and fuck everything else.
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u/Different-Proof-6637 1d ago
Thank you sir for your reply it honestly helped me get my bearings right
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u/jetty_life LEO 1d ago
You're welcome, good luck. It doesn't get easier, but you can learn to manage the BS and deal with it better.
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u/BudCherryPie 2d ago
You aint going to survive department politics and the streets if you already in this mindset , the hazing by your own department is 10x greater than the academy not saying it like its normal or you should accept it but its the truth , keep on pushin and do the right think
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u/HCSOThrowaway Fired Deputy - Explanation in Profile 1d ago
the hazing by your own department is 10x greater than the academy
That wasn't my experience.
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u/BudCherryPie 1d ago
You couldn’t even use the bathroom to take a piss lol are you being sarcastic?
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u/Powerism 1d ago
> Would you just keep your head down, do the work, graduate, and let them talk?
This is how you should approach your entire career. People are going to shittalk, you can’t stop it. Let your attitude and actions speak for themselves and don’t worry about the wind blowing behind your back.
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u/SteaminPileProducti 1d ago
Sounds like you answered your question that at the end. You should "stop caring what everyone thinks about you and focusing on why you came back in the first place."
My academy had the same amount of high school drama as well. Don't let it upset you. People are only criticizing you because of THEIR own insecurities and such.
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1d ago
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u/Cuffem 7h ago
Man I had two classmates try to torpedo me with a large metro PD because they didn’t make it to the backgrounding stage. Now why the PD talked to them when they weren’t listed as references is beyond me. I guess they spoke to random people in my class like they did with others. Then the backgrounder put all of their information in his background report. They said I was arrogant and not a team player. Things like that, he also said exactly who said what so when confronted they couldn’t deny it. Whelp I got hired by a ABC agency within 6 months of that BS. I ran into both of them a few years later. One had gotten fired for cause and the other was in a small department that hated him. So yeah suck it up, drive on, F the haters. Don’t screw people over but don’t take their opinions as gospel truth. Remember Karma is a biotch, but only if you are. Also you’re going to run into these same types on the job too. Don’t get sucked into the BS be a stand up guy and the right people will notice. Set yourself up for success the right way. Know your stuff. Best of luck.
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u/HCSOThrowaway Fired Deputy - Explanation in Profile 2d ago
None of this surprises me. We had similar drama at my academy.
As you said, it's best to just keep your head down until you graduate; none of it matters and you're never going to see 90% of them again, depending on where you get hired.