Read Part 1 in a series about the process to become a UMB police officer.
Over the next six months, prospective University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) police officers Stephen Howard and Mikal Diggs will share their experience about what it means to go through the police academy. This behind-the-scenes series will explore how new officers are selected to go to the police academy, what it’s like to go through the academy, and their reflections on the journey.
Every police officer must pass the police academy before joining a police department. At the UMB Police Department (UMBPD), officers are sent to the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) academy.
“Prospective officers from a variety of agencies and jurisdictions attend MPCTC’s academy,” said Education and Training Lt. Todd Ring, MSL. “There, they have the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of instructors and classmates from across Maryland.”
Howard and Diggs were selected to attend the academy after completing a series of tests and interviews. The physical agility test includes a 1-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, and a hand strength test. The top candidates are interviewed by members of the command staff and then must complete a background investigation before receiving a job offer.
“Our community deserves the very best officers who provide service excellence,” said Assistant Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Thomas Leone, MSL. “I’m proud that we’re once again sending one of our own UMB security officers, Stephen Howard, to the academy.”
Howard and Diggs began the academy March 6. The pair will be there Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — plus some evenings — and are expected to graduate in September.
Ring says the police academy is where new police officers receive a solid foundation in modern policing. New officers receive basic police instruction, including law, first aid, driving, and firearms training. “These recruits bring something new to the table,” Ring said. “They have unique backgrounds and a comfort with technology that allows for continuous innovation within our department.”
“I was excited and anxious to start the academy,” Diggs said. “All of the instructors have been great in giving us the tools and information we need to succeed.”
During their first week, members of the academy class wrote their class mission and class motto: “The balance between just and unjust, good and evil, will set the pace for change.”
The first week in the academy meant early mornings, mediocre food (“tuna, chicken fingers, TV dinners, and protein bars”), and the beginning of physical training.
“I’ve learned so many things in just one week,” Howard said. “I can already see that this will be life-changing.”
During the second week at the academy, members of Academy Class 37 took their initial fitness, weigh-in, and physical agility test. They began drills on how to use their handcuffs; approach doors, cars, and people; draw their weapon; question a suspect; use radios; and more. Howard says he enjoyed meeting a member of the police commission.
“The training and knowledge from the instructors have been easy to retain,” Diggs said. “I’m more comfortable here now going into my third week.”
“I’m excited to see them progress through the academy,” Leone said. “It’s incredible to watch them learn and grow each week. We look forward to welcoming them to the team!”
Continue to follow along bimonthly as prospective UMB police officers Howard and Diggs progress through the MPCTC Police Academy.