This Friday will mark the culmination of rigorous training for six cadets graduating from the Las Cruces Police Department Academy, as announced by the LCPD. On December 20, these aspiring law enforcement officers will celebrate their commencement at Las Cruces City Hall, with an audience comprising family, police officials, and other dignitaries, as detailed by the City of Las Cruces.
The six individuals embarking on careers in public service are Vincent Montoya, who is set to join the New Mexico State University Police Department, alongside Veridiana Porras, Juan Prieto, Alan Ramirez, Eric Reynolds, and Jannette Soto who will all be suiting up for the Las Cruces Police Department, as per the city’s announcement. After a 24-week academy program, these graduates have successfully navigated comprehensive exams, positioning themselves for New Mexico peace officer certification.
In alignment with the educational standards of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, the LCPD Academy surpasses expectations with 1,164 accredited hours of education and training, balancing classroom learning and practical, in-field experience. These cadets have undergone a deeply comprehensive curriculum with roughly 60 percent of their time devoted to academic study and the remaining 40 percent to pragmatic fieldwork in various locales within and around Las Cruces.
With their graduation on the horizon, the new officers will be shepherded into the next phase of their development, as they will soon be teamed up with seasoned field training officers who will mentor them for an additional 14 weeks guiding them through the various facets of police work over different patrol shifts, the statement released by the city explained. These trainees will thereby gain real-world insights and the kind of hands-on experience necessary to foster their growth as dutiful guardians of the community.
Looking forward, the Las Cruces Police Department is preparing for the next wave of cadets with the 55th Academy scheduled to commence in the spring of 2025. Prospective cadets and those with a calling to serve can seek further information and updates about the academy via their website at CLCPD.com.
