Everything you do in your law enforcement career will involve communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing. The Academy places great emphasis in each recruit’s ability to do this throughout the Academy. Verbal communications training consists of teaching skills such as basic interviews, conflict management, communications assertiveness, and advanced verbal skills. Written communications training focuses on a recruit’s ability to complete the dozens of reports required of patrol officers in a clear and concise manner. Throughout the academy you will be given lectures, scenarios, and homework assignments that will teach you how to properly complete these reports. You will be tested and graded on your spelling, grammar, articulation of your actions, and the ability to elicit details from an incident and record them in the applicable report.

The Academy does not teach basic reading, writing or language skills. Recruits are expected to arrive at the Academy with the ability to read, write and speak at the level of a high school graduate or better. Recruits are strongly encouraged to prepare themselves for the level of reading and writing required to be academically successful.

Las Vegas has a large Spanish speaking population. LVMPD is committed to serving this segment of the community at the same level as any other. Therefore, the Academy curriculum also includes training in Spanish. Spanish words and phrases are built in to almost every unit of instruction where applicable. Recruits will be required to learn basic Spanish specifically directed at accomplishing patrol work. Recruits will demonstrate proficiency during the practical application tests as outlined in the Academics section of this site.