Class
A-2027
A private Signal group for our class, built so we can connect, share resources, and have each other's backs through the process.
Put together by a fellow classmate who happens to build websites. Not affiliated with DPS in any way.
- A group for our class, run by one of us
- Share tips, timelines and encouragement
- Physical prep and process advice from peers
- No DPS affiliation whatsoever
- Always verify official info with DPS directly
- Keep it professional.
- No harassment, offensive jokes, politics, or anything that could reflect poorly on the class or department.
- Violating rules = removed, no exceptions.
This is the longest part of the whole process. A third-party background investigator came to my home and spoke with me and my wife separately. Be prepared for that. Be straightforward, be consistent, and make sure your story matches what you put on paper because it will all come out.
In my experience they requested 3 neighbor references. That could change so verify with your recruiter, but be ready for it.
After your conditional offer you will head to Austin for two days.
Day 1 is administrative. You will complete a couple of questionnaires on a laptop, handle HR paperwork, eye exam, uniform fitting, and fingerprinting. Show up professional and ready.
Day 2 is the psych eval and medical exam. The medical clinic can get backed up. Get the early appointment slots if you can. It makes a real difference in how long your day runs.
Intentionally leaving out specifics on the psych and medical to protect process integrity. Just be yourself and be professional.
I got my offer letter a little over a month after my psych and medical evaluations in Austin, which put it about a month before Day 1. The background investigation ate most of the total time. Everything else moved relatively quickly once that cleared.
To give you a real reference point. I applied early April, received my conditional offer early June, got my final offer mid September, and Day 1 was mid November.
Keep in mind everyone's timeline is a little different. A lot of my class received their offer around the same week I did, but that is not guaranteed. Do not compare your timeline to someone else's and do not read into it.
Keeping this intentionally light. Depending on your cadre things can be different and part of the experience is going through it yourself.
We arrived at 5am. We did not run or row for over two hours after arriving. We stood in line quietly for about two hours before hitting the track. Then we warmed up, ran, came back, rowed, and got fitted. Then the real day started. Get ready for the shark attack and the long day ahead is all I will say.
It took a few days if not a week before you could slow down some while eating. Yeah, you will see what I mean when you get there.
The first few weeks of my class, lights out for most of us was around 8pm. Then you start hearing showers around 3:30 to 4am. We would warm up, work out, and then the day started. Every day.
We lost over 10 people the first day or so and more over the first week. The first two weeks is the biggest drop off. Do not take that lightly going in.
Make sure you have your family situation in order and taken care of before Day 1. That is what got me at week 3. You will not have the bandwidth to manage outside stress on top of what is happening inside the academy. Get that handled before you walk in.
Review the Drill and Ceremony training document they will provide you before Day 1. Know it. And the general orders. Go ahead and have those down 100% accurately before you arrive. Not mostly. Not close. Exactly.
If you have specific questions reach out in the group chat and I will help where I can.
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