Police Academy Tuition
Donation protected
My name is Joseph Presley. I am 23 years old. I have a degree in Emergency Management and Criminal Justice. I have wanted to become a police officer for a long time. I have been hesitant to ask for help in this way, but I cannot see any other beneficial option.
I get asked all the time, “Why a police officer? Why risk you life for others, who in this day and age, hate police officers?” For the longest time, I could not give a straight answer because I did not know why. Being a police officer means so much more than a paycheck. It means running to the gunfire, late nights, scrutiny, brotherhood, courage. I slowly began to realize I did not want to be a police officer for the badge or the car or the gun. I want to be a police officer so people will run towards me when they need help. To be the saving grace a family might so desperately need.
I was born with a condition known as Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS). Essentially, while I was in the womb, I punctured the sack. the fibers that surrounded it were able to get in, wrapped around my left arm, and caused a deformation just below my left elbow. I am lucky. This is all I have ever known. I have no heroic story about losing my arm fighting for our county. I am just me.
This will be my third attempt at accomplishing my dream. My first was with the Russellville Police Department around 2 years ago. Out of 100 original applicants, I placed 8th. A huge accomplishment for me but still a let down as the department would only let the top 5 begin the background check. Within a week though, the department called me and informed me that the previous applicants had all had issues come up with their background checks and that I was now in the No. 1 spot. I successfully completed the physical agility test, civil service examination, oral board interview, background check, polygraph examination, and psychiatric evaluation. I had one final step before being accepted into the academy, the medical examination. After a number of tests, blood, hearing, vision, everything, the doctor finally came in and told me I was perfectly fit. However he did not think I could be a police officer with one arm and kicked me on the spot. I was not given the opportunity to argue my case and demonstrate my ability, it was over.
During a career fair at my college, there was a good handful of police agencies. Local agencies attended, a few state level as well as the FBI. It was one agency in particular that caught my attention, Tulsa Police Department. I honestly had no intention of applying with Tulsa. I had done research before hand and everything I had read indicated they were looking for the best of the best. I could not even get on with a small police agency, how could I think about one as large as Tulsa? But the recruiter, Corporal Jeff Little, wanted me to try. To him, there was no reason why I should not try. So I began the application process again, and again, I make it all the way to the medical evaluation. Dr. Berry gave me the chance. Major Perkins offered me a Pre-Hire position, basically an internship with a guaranteed spot in the upcoming academy. I was ecstatic. I would be required to go to all physical training in order to develop my own ways to accomplish the tasks a police officer is required to do. I performed with flying colors during the pursuit driver training class, performed well in ground combat, and had impressed the defensive tactics instructor with my ability to keep control of my weapons while in a ground fight. The issue came with my ability to handcuff. I had developed a method that worked well with individuals who were complying, but it was not so secure with those who would resist. The statistic is that 60% of people resist to some degree when first touched by a police officer. There was merit to the concern so I developed a much more secure way. Before I was able to demonstrate this new and improved method, I was issued a letter of termination on the basis I could not handcuff. I respect the decision but I still wish I could have shown my new method.
Very recently, my wife informed me that we will be expecting a child in the upcoming months. After the brief feeling of terror subsided, I became excited for having a child. But in our current situation, it would be hard for us to raise a child. We made the desicion to move back home where both of our families are. It takes a village to raise a child, am I right? It was also at this moment, I did not want my child growing up thinking I gave up on my dream. But how would I achieve it? I keep getting right there, it is within my reach and it is stripped away.
In Missouri, one has the option to self-sponsor themselves through an academy. Instead of having to rely on someone taking a chance on me, I can prove it to them myself. Drury University in Springfield, Missouri has such a program. Not just anyone can join, one has to be selected just as with every department out there. I am proud to say that, yet again, I have been selected. But this time, I cannot do it alone. The total cost of the program is $6,696. This includes:
Tuition for Class A POST Certification
Use of all weapons
All ammunition
Textbooks
Training materials
POLO style uniform shirts
T-shirts
Sweats
I am stubborn. I never ask for help, many of you know this. My father raised me believing I did not need help. When he passed away, I took it to heart. I do not want people to look at me and think I need help. I master everything I do. But sometimes, you have to put your pride aside. With a child on the way, upwards of $30,000 already in student loan debt, this is one of my only options to achieve my dream.
What I am wanting is not unachievable. I have spoken with 3 officers with similar situations to my own. All who have told me it was hard. It is hard convincing people to give you a chance, but when you are given the chance, you will shock them. To my knowledge, there are officers in Arkansas, Washington, Texas, Tennessee, and an FBI Special Agent who are all missing arms. These officers gave me hope, gave me inspiration and a reason to not give up.
I recently brought my situation to Drury University, the host of the academy. Tony Bowers, the director of the program, was upfront with me. He was not sure how I could do the tasks that were required of me. After an hour of demonstrations and explaining the trials and tribulations I had already overcome, I left that night with a packet of paperwork they requested I have turned in by mid July. As I was fixing to submit this, I received my letter from Drury congratulating me for my qualification into the program. I am only barred by money.
It takes a village to raise a child, but I am asking my friends, family, community, strangers to please help me achieve my dream. I know some of you might not agree with this choice for whatever reason but let me be the change you want to see. I hate asking for help but I willing to try.



http://www.drury.edu/law-enforcement
I get asked all the time, “Why a police officer? Why risk you life for others, who in this day and age, hate police officers?” For the longest time, I could not give a straight answer because I did not know why. Being a police officer means so much more than a paycheck. It means running to the gunfire, late nights, scrutiny, brotherhood, courage. I slowly began to realize I did not want to be a police officer for the badge or the car or the gun. I want to be a police officer so people will run towards me when they need help. To be the saving grace a family might so desperately need.
I was born with a condition known as Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS). Essentially, while I was in the womb, I punctured the sack. the fibers that surrounded it were able to get in, wrapped around my left arm, and caused a deformation just below my left elbow. I am lucky. This is all I have ever known. I have no heroic story about losing my arm fighting for our county. I am just me.
This will be my third attempt at accomplishing my dream. My first was with the Russellville Police Department around 2 years ago. Out of 100 original applicants, I placed 8th. A huge accomplishment for me but still a let down as the department would only let the top 5 begin the background check. Within a week though, the department called me and informed me that the previous applicants had all had issues come up with their background checks and that I was now in the No. 1 spot. I successfully completed the physical agility test, civil service examination, oral board interview, background check, polygraph examination, and psychiatric evaluation. I had one final step before being accepted into the academy, the medical examination. After a number of tests, blood, hearing, vision, everything, the doctor finally came in and told me I was perfectly fit. However he did not think I could be a police officer with one arm and kicked me on the spot. I was not given the opportunity to argue my case and demonstrate my ability, it was over.
During a career fair at my college, there was a good handful of police agencies. Local agencies attended, a few state level as well as the FBI. It was one agency in particular that caught my attention, Tulsa Police Department. I honestly had no intention of applying with Tulsa. I had done research before hand and everything I had read indicated they were looking for the best of the best. I could not even get on with a small police agency, how could I think about one as large as Tulsa? But the recruiter, Corporal Jeff Little, wanted me to try. To him, there was no reason why I should not try. So I began the application process again, and again, I make it all the way to the medical evaluation. Dr. Berry gave me the chance. Major Perkins offered me a Pre-Hire position, basically an internship with a guaranteed spot in the upcoming academy. I was ecstatic. I would be required to go to all physical training in order to develop my own ways to accomplish the tasks a police officer is required to do. I performed with flying colors during the pursuit driver training class, performed well in ground combat, and had impressed the defensive tactics instructor with my ability to keep control of my weapons while in a ground fight. The issue came with my ability to handcuff. I had developed a method that worked well with individuals who were complying, but it was not so secure with those who would resist. The statistic is that 60% of people resist to some degree when first touched by a police officer. There was merit to the concern so I developed a much more secure way. Before I was able to demonstrate this new and improved method, I was issued a letter of termination on the basis I could not handcuff. I respect the decision but I still wish I could have shown my new method.
Very recently, my wife informed me that we will be expecting a child in the upcoming months. After the brief feeling of terror subsided, I became excited for having a child. But in our current situation, it would be hard for us to raise a child. We made the desicion to move back home where both of our families are. It takes a village to raise a child, am I right? It was also at this moment, I did not want my child growing up thinking I gave up on my dream. But how would I achieve it? I keep getting right there, it is within my reach and it is stripped away.
In Missouri, one has the option to self-sponsor themselves through an academy. Instead of having to rely on someone taking a chance on me, I can prove it to them myself. Drury University in Springfield, Missouri has such a program. Not just anyone can join, one has to be selected just as with every department out there. I am proud to say that, yet again, I have been selected. But this time, I cannot do it alone. The total cost of the program is $6,696. This includes:
Tuition for Class A POST Certification
Use of all weapons
All ammunition
Textbooks
Training materials
POLO style uniform shirts
T-shirts
Sweats
I am stubborn. I never ask for help, many of you know this. My father raised me believing I did not need help. When he passed away, I took it to heart. I do not want people to look at me and think I need help. I master everything I do. But sometimes, you have to put your pride aside. With a child on the way, upwards of $30,000 already in student loan debt, this is one of my only options to achieve my dream.
What I am wanting is not unachievable. I have spoken with 3 officers with similar situations to my own. All who have told me it was hard. It is hard convincing people to give you a chance, but when you are given the chance, you will shock them. To my knowledge, there are officers in Arkansas, Washington, Texas, Tennessee, and an FBI Special Agent who are all missing arms. These officers gave me hope, gave me inspiration and a reason to not give up.
I recently brought my situation to Drury University, the host of the academy. Tony Bowers, the director of the program, was upfront with me. He was not sure how I could do the tasks that were required of me. After an hour of demonstrations and explaining the trials and tribulations I had already overcome, I left that night with a packet of paperwork they requested I have turned in by mid July. As I was fixing to submit this, I received my letter from Drury congratulating me for my qualification into the program. I am only barred by money.
It takes a village to raise a child, but I am asking my friends, family, community, strangers to please help me achieve my dream. I know some of you might not agree with this choice for whatever reason but let me be the change you want to see. I hate asking for help but I willing to try.
http://www.drury.edu/law-enforcement
Organizer
Joe Presley
Organizer
Springfield, MO