Because of this, police officers receive formal training in police methods and the criminal justice system as cadets when they attend a police academy. While most organizations hire officers and then enroll them in their academy, paying them a cadet salary as they train, acadey civilians self-sponsor themselves in an academy to bolster nad resume. As with other police officer salaries, pay ranges for cadets vary significantly around the country and with the size of the district that employs the cadet. Most police academy training lasts between 12 and 14 weeks, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Competition for law enforcement positions athend fierce in some areas, and to help increase their qualifications when applying, some potential officers choose to sponsor themselves in a police academy. As of publication, Illinois, Arkansas and Kansas do not allow students to self-sponsor and enter a police academy. Wilhelm Schnotz has worked as a freelance writer sincecovering arts ...