u/Mrs_helifax_Spy

Totally triggered me

I’m currently in the academy about a quarter of the way through, and there’s one guy in my class who genuinely believes he knows everything and is better than everyone else. Plain view he’s solid good military bearing, strong cadence, very fit, and generally performs well physically. But his personality is the issue. He has zero empathy for anyone, constantly brags about having an uncle in a department (which is true), and regularly dominates conversations.

About half the class has complained about him to staff, and he’s already received a couple write-ups. He’s also been sexist toward female cadets and will interrupt or shut people down during group activities or discussions. The instructors and RTOs seem somewhat aware of his behavior.

He clearly craves attention and will try to talk over people or outshine others anytime someone else is getting attention. Most people are “cool” with him. We went out to eat, and he was vulgar, loud, and talking trash in front of kids—very poor public image, to say the least.

The cadets who “get along” with him but still complain seem to do so more out of avoidance or fear of conflict than actual respect. He belittles and overpowers people and creates a controlling dynamic in group settings. He doesn’t use basic manners like “excuse me,” “please,” or “thank you”—it’s just a plain “get out of the way” mentality.

It’s frustrating that nothing is really being done and we had to endure months of this. I’m just trying to understand how someone like this is expected to function in the field and deal with the public.

What also concerns me is his background in the hiring process—he mentioned he previously failed a polygraph for a public safety position, saying the examiner was “being a dick” and he’s said neighbors wouldn’t give him references because “they don’t like him.” He has applied again at a local department and passed his PAT and is gonna go through the rest of the steps. (I can see how some people get through the cracks)

Not really sure what the protocol is or why he’s still in the program. Sometimes I wonder if this is just part of the process and if people like this eventually get filtered out later.

Has anyone experienced something similar in their academy? If so, how was it handled down the line?