Henderson Police Department graduates 44 new officers in the largest academy class in its history

What happened

The Henderson Police Department has graduated the largest academy class in its history, adding 44 new officers, KTNV reported. The group, called Academy Class 14, completed 27 weeks of training before graduation.

Graduation is not the end of the training process. According to KTNV, the 44 officers will now move into the next phase of training. After that, they will eventually serve independently in the community.

Who is joining the department

A wide mix of work histories

The recruits came from many different jobs and life experiences. KTNV reported that one speaker at the ceremony listed some of them: cadets, explorers, veterans, people with previous law enforcement experience, classification technicians, security officers, EMTs and bartenders. The speaker described the class as coming from all walks of life.

Local roots

More than a dozen graduates have deep roots in Henderson, according to KTNV. The station noted that this gives them a personal connection to the city they will now help protect.

Languages and diversity in the class

KTNV described Academy Class 14 as one of the most diverse classes in Henderson police history. Its recruits represent five other countries and speak seven different languages. Spanish, Arabic and Russian are among them.

Why city leaders say language skills matter

City leaders said those language skills can help officers talk directly with residents. They said this matters most during difficult or stressful situations. City Manager Stephanie Garcia told the graduates they would have chances to "connect with our residents in meaningful ways in their native languages," KTNV reported. She added that they would not need to rely on tools such as Google Translate.

What leaders told the new officers

Department leaders stressed that finishing the academy is only the beginning. According to KTNV, they urged the new officers to keep learning and to work to earn and keep the public's trust.

One speaker asked the class to go into the community and represent the department and the academy class "with humility and integrity." The same speaker told classmates, "Let's treat people with respect and dignity," KTNV reported.

What it means for Henderson residents

The graduation adds 44 officers to the department's ranks. They will not all be working on their own right away, because the class still has another phase of training ahead. KTNV's report did not give a date for when the new officers will begin serving independently.

City leaders presented the class's range of languages as a practical benefit for residents who may be more comfortable speaking a language other than English. For more coverage of police, fire and emergency services around the valley, see our public safety section.

What to watch next

• The 44 graduates of Academy Class 14 moving into the next phase of their training, as KTNV reported.
• When members of the class begin serving independently in the Henderson community, a date KTNV did not report.