The North Las Vegas Police Department is bolstering its force with the addition of 16 new officers, all of whom are set to graduate from the police academy tomorrow. According to a news release posted on the City of North Las Vegas official website, the ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the College of Southern Nevada's Horn Theatre, where these new recruits will partake in a badge pinning and swearing-in ritual.
Reflecting the city's diverse demographic, half of the graduating class can communicate in Spanish, engaging directly with the sizable Hispanic population that makes up 42% of North Las Vegas residents. According to the same city press release, six of the recruits are military veterans, including a purple heart recipient, and seven are Las Vegas Valley natives committed to serving their hometown. Chief of Police Jacqueline Gravatt highlighted the significance of this diversity, stating, "When the public believes their police department represents and understands them, it strengthens trust in law enforcement and authenticity in community-police relations," a statement obtained by the City of North Las Vegas.
The graduation venue, the event is now set at the College of Southern Nevada Horn Theatre situated on 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., North Las Vegas, NV 89030. This move follows the academy’s recent relocation to NLVPD's Northwest Area Command, marking a new era for the training facility and its programs.
This first graduating class since the academy's move has undergone an intensive 24-week training program offering over 1,000 hours of instruction. Spanning across basic and advanced subjects, from tactics to emergency vehicle operations, the training has prepared recruits for the reality of law enforcement. Chief Gravatt’s comments underscore these efforts, reinforcing the belief that having police officers who residents feel represent them “out in the community every day building connections.” Following their graduation, the rookies will embark on a field training period lasting between 17-23 weeks, completing their intense introduction to police work, as per the City of North Las Vegas.
