The Minneapolis Police Department recently held a graduation ceremony for a diverse group of new officers ready to hit the streets after rigorous training. According to a Facebook post by MPD, the event honored 27 individuals who completed their training at the MPD Academy. This ceremony marked significant milestones for the department, as it welcomed its first female Somali officer and the first permanent resident as a sworn officer in its ranks.
The graduating group comprised eleven recruits from MPD’s Academy, alongside twelve officers who joined MPD from other departments, and four Park Police Officers. These lateral officers, including two brothers of current MPD officers, the wife of a current MPD officer, and one returning to MPD after years at another agency, are valued for their substantial experience, as detailed by the Minneapolis Police Department.
In a solemn tradition reflecting the weight of the badge, the graduation ceremony also served to honor a fallen hero. This year’s class paid tribute to Officer Jamal Mitchell by carrying a guide-on adorned with his name, badge number, and end-of-watch date, a gesture symbolizing respect and remembrance.
