University of Houston - Downtown Academy

[frostbiker]

Anyone here go through this academy? Got nixed by HPD and HCSO for 'employment references' this month. My plan all along was to get into an academy if both of those fell through.

Just want to hear thoughts and impressions. Also, if you have any advice, hints, tips and tricks that might help.

What is the course load like? How much homework should I expect to handle on a daily/weekly basis? How much reading? Quizzes, papers, tests?

Would it be helpful to use a laptop for notes and study? Any thoughts on which laptop would work best?

I'm not so much worried about the physical fitness and training. I run weekly, lift on weekends and do PT in the mornings with a group of people.

Thanks

[Zurita210]

Well man I just started the academy at the LSC Greenspoint Center up by the Beltway 8 and I45 North. Pretty much today was my 3rd day. We started November 2nd. So far from what the instructors have informed me and from what Ive experience its tons of notes. Im sure all academy stick to the same TCLEOSE curriculum. They pretty much go to every topic and have a class and you take notes. I was given a cd with tons of information including the classes we are going through. We also have to purchase a few books adding up to 250 dollars. The Greenspoint center academy doesnt let you use a labtop because a few classes ago someone got in trouble for looking at porn but I think different academies have different rules for that. Pretty much the first half of the academy is academics where they give classes and you take notes. Everything is they go through your going to have sources to. From what ive heard everything is pretty much dummy proof except for the final exam and the penal code exam but im not taking their word for it and still going to study. We also had to buy uniforms. One good thing that I found out was that you can apply to Police Departments from day one, you just got to let them know and some departments will actually let you start the hiring process and hire you on the day of graduation, some wont and others will only let you do some of the hiring process.

[TRichie]

Uh-d

It has been a while since I went through the Academy but UH-D is really squared away. Be prepared to do alot of writing. The required "notebook" must be hand written to ensure that you do all the work and that it doesn't turn into a "group project". Some instructors will provide you will fin in the blank type outlines and some will tell you exactly what to write down. Whatever you do make sure it is in the binder or you will not graduate. The studying is what you make of it just like any other academy you get out of it what you put in. The exams are on a set schedule and you will be given that schedule pretty early on. My best advice is to get a study group going and do it early. Also don't think that just because you have been tested over a topic means you will not see it again. I think at least 1 question was on every single test!

[kcso]

I went to UH-DT a very long time ago but I hear it's still a good academy. My suggestion is to pick up a recent copy of the penal code, transportation code and CCP and read them. Start first with the penal code. This will get you familiar with Texas laws and terminology.

Don't worry about trying to 'learn' it while you read it, just read it. That alone put me miles ahead of everyone else when I went through the academy. One more thing, work on your printing skills, hand not computer, and outline skills, because you'll be doing a lot of writing. Good luck!

[SHSURobert]

HCSO is full of UHD graduates. Hell, half of HCSO Detention Officers are in the UHD academy now.

[Old Timer LE]

I went to UH back In 1987. There are plenty of Reserve and FT positions availiabe in LE in the world if you want them. Just nut up and get you one. The UH academy is pretty tough and it should be.

Good school IMO but I am no expert on training..

[AC1074]

Anyone here go through this academy? Got nixed by HPD and HCSO for 'employment references' this month. My plan all along was to get into an academy if both of those fell through.

Just want to hear thoughts and impressions. Also, if you have any advice, hints, tips and tricks that might help.

What is the course load like? How much homework should I expect to handle on a daily/weekly basis? How much reading? Quizzes, papers, tests?

Would it be helpful to use a laptop for notes and study? Any thoughts on which laptop would work best?

I'm not so much worried about the physical fitness and training. I run weekly, lift on weekends and do PT in the mornings with a group of people.

Thanks

I attended UHDT academy (BPOC129). One of the top academies you can go to in my opinion. The homework you will get will be the notebook and yes it has to be hand written (unless they have changed the requirements). Tests are pretty regular and there are some pop quizzes so make sure you read read read your section or whatever your studying. Sounds like you got the PT down so yea no sweat there. There really are no tricks so long as you study your material, do what your told and you really don't need a laptop.

[kcso]

I went to UH back In 1987. There are plenty of Reserve and FT positions availiabe in LE in the world if you want them. Just nut up and get you one. The UH academy is pretty tough and it should be.

Good school IMO but I am no expert on training..

I was in that year too. I don't remember the class number though. UHD, in m opinion, is right up there with agency academies when it comes to preparing you for police work. At least it used to be, but I don't see any reason why they would have changed their standards.

[TxGuy5317]

Did you attend the UHD academy? You would recommend it? Any advice?