I don't have a big problem with speeding up Recruit class'. Going 26 weeks is CRAZY!! During my 20 week academy, we had so much down time and so many outsiders that wanted to come talk to us about the silliest stuff that had nothing to do with police work....Like the Seizure and diabetes Assc. and countless others. The academy Should be 16 weeks and you will and always learn how to police by riding the streets with FTO and other officers around you. Lateral classes should be 4-6 weeks