The demanding day of a MSP recruit begins at 5 a.m. with reveille.  After 30 minutes to prepare for the day, the recruit reports to physical training.  The arduous work-out includes running, strength training and aerobics, as well as health and nutrition. 

After physical training, the recruit is given 15 minutes to shower and change before breakfast, the quickest meal of the day.  The recruit has just 30 minutes to eat breakfast and prepare his/her room for inspection.  The recruit is also quizzed on academic material and department policies and procedures.

Morning classes begin at 8 a.m.  The classes cover topics vital to the execution of law enforcement duties including criminal law and procedure, constitutional law, report writing and cultural awareness.

The first break comes at lunch, where the recruit has one hour to eat, study and prepare for the afternoon activities.

During the afternoon the recruit participates in hands-on activities learning first aid, firearms, defensive tactics, water safety and patrol tactics.  For these topics, the recruit class is broken into smaller squads allowing more one-on-one interaction with instructors.

Dinner begins promptly at 5 p.m.  The evening is filled with military drills, work details, testing and study time.  The playing of taps signals lights out at 10 p.m.

The day's activities repeat five days a week for 20 to 22 weeks.  As a residential program, the recruit is only allowed to leave the Training Academy on Friday evenings and must return on Sunday afternoons.