APD’s 129th Cadet Class graduates 41 new officers
ALBUQUERQUE – APD graduated 41 cadets today as part of the 129th Cadet Class.
The 41 cadets became sworn officers and will now begin on-the-job training for several weeks before being placed in their new area commands.
“The strong numbers of this cadet class go to show our dedication to growing the Albuquerque Police Department and adding more officers the rank and file, protecting our community,” said Chief Harold Medina. “This class is among one the larger classes we’ve seen in recent academies and the numbers are far greater than most in the last decade.”
The 129th Class was only the second class to take part in the Pre-Academy which was implemented to help lower attrition. This program helps more cadets make it to graduation, as historically from the start of the academy to the end, several cadets will leave, drop-out or get released. The Pre-Academy offers specialized training for skills that have been challenging for cadets in the past.
Of today’s graduates, several were also a part of LEAP, which is the Law Enforcement Aid Program. The program was created in 2023 to better prepare people for the Academy, after the department looked into what were the main reasons it was losing candidates. The top two reasons were background checks taking too long, and individuals not able to meet the physical fitness standards.
The next Cadet Class will graduate this fall.
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