A thorough understanding of military, state and federal law is critical. Nearly 90 percent of the course work involves academic studies. Students take weekly exams to make sure they are retaining the vast amount of material they cover. An estimated 350 students graduate from the academy each year, completing basic, intermediate and specialized courses in police services. Security personnel from other installations, including the fleet, can also attend the training.
Students vary in age and job experience.
At age 50, retired Chief Boatswain's Mate Vincent Brooks is just beginning his second career and will graduate soon from the academy. After retiring from the Navy's San Diego Ship Intermediate Maintenance Activity in 1988, the Atlantic City, N.J., native said he feels at home. It's something I've always wanted to do. Brooks says he sees similarities between serving in the military and becoming a police officer. In both jobs, you have to interact with people and help them find solutions.