New officers graduate from SLCPD Police Academy

SALT LAKE CITY — A total of 21 new officers graduated Thursday from the Salt Lake City Police Department Police Academy.

“This graduation comes with a lot of emotions,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown in a news release. “We’ve all seen the devastating headlines across the country about mass shootings and police officers being hurt and killed. But we’ve also seen the remarkable bravery of officers who have run into chaos, inside grocery stores, inside schools and at parades to protect their communities.”

Police Academy

For the past seven months, the new officers received training in a variety of areas. This training was provided by the SLCPD Training Division, and it included defensive tactics, crisis intervention, firearms and emergency vehicle operations.

The new officers now advance into field training. During this time, the new officers will each be assigned a Field Training Officer. The Field Training Officer will evaluate the new officer on how well they perform their routine functions as a patrol officer.

 “As future officers, these 21 recruits are entering a profession that remains in a state of change,” Brown said. “Police departments across the country are strained. In many regards, this is nothing new. This profession has weathered many difficult times before. But today is different. We are overcoming the challenges we face with more resources, technology and training than we have ever had before. That knowledge and skill translates itself into stronger and safer communities throughout Salt Lake City.” 

According to SLCPD, the department is short 39 sworn positions from the level that the City Council has set.

In May, SLCPD welcomed 24 new recruits. SLCPD anticipates those recruits will graduate in October.

Read more:

• Salt Lake City Police announce the closure of a 48-year-old cold case
• Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown pleads for a solution on gun violence

 

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