September 22, 2017

Mayor Emanuel Welcomes 129 New Police Recruits to the Academy

City makes progress on CPD hiring plan

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Police Department (CPD) CPD First Deputy Superintendent Kevin Navarro today welcomed 129 new police recruits to the Department's Training Academy, the ninth class of new recruits this year as part of the Department’s hiring plan to add nearly 1,000 officers. Almost half of these officers are bilingual, with second languages including Spanish, Polish, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Urdu and Hindi. This group of new recruits is a third female and over 70% minority. It also include 12 military veterans, 46 CPS graduates, and 14 family members of current or former police officers.

“I want to congratulate the new class of recruits for answering the call to Be The Change and shape our department’s future,” said Mayor Emanuel. “This new class represents the diversity and dynamism of our city, and we look forward to training them with the resources they need as we continue to grow our department and provide the safety our residents deserve.”

The September class of recruits will benefit from new training opportunities initiated this year as part of the Departments police reform efforts and commitment to rebuilding trust through training that reflects the city’s values and cultural heritage. These training include, the Department's new use of force policies that will go into effect mid-October following department-wide training, and a new cultural awareness training at the DuSable Museum of African American History. In addition, when these recruits graduate, they will also benefit from the recently announced new in-service training requirement, which will necessitate all Department members to take 40 hours of continuing education annually by 2021.

"I am proud to welcome the next class of new recruits that will serve as the next generation of Chicago police officers at a historic time for our Department," said CPD First Deputy Superintendent Kevin Navarro. "The new officers that are part of our two year hiring plan will benefit from the investments we have been making to keep both our members and Chicagoans safe, including our new continuing education program for officers and district-based nerve centers to drive down gun violence. For anyone who is considering to join CPD during our 'Be The Change' recruitment drive, I could not think of a better time to apply."

As part of the hiring plan, on Sunday, First Deputy Superintendent Navarro announced that nearly 100 probationary police officers were deployed to districts as probationary field officers where they will continue their training in the field next to veteran Field Training Officers. With this newest class, more than 807 recruits have entered Police Academy to train to become police officers.

“This diverse new class of police recruits exemplify the city’s commitment to become partners with the communities we serve,” said Chairman Reboyras. “These future heroes will have the resources and training they need to help make Chicago’s future brighter, our streets safer and our communities stronger.”

During the six-month police academy, recruits learn all applicable laws and protocols for being a Chicago Police Officer. In addition to physical training, they receive instruction in procedural justice, crisis intervention and de-escalation, use of force, community building and critical thinking. Over the past year, and as outlined in the Department’s Next Steps for Reform, CPD is adding a state of the art scenario-based curriculum as well as new training around cultural awareness to ensure that officers receive the highest quality training for the complex challenges that await them.

“I congratulate this newest class of police recruits on their courageous and honorable choice to become a Chicago Police Officer,” said Alderman Burnett. “Today they join the ranks of a department that has not only made a commitment to protect residents of this great city, but also to partner with residents to serve them.”

Also part of the hiring plan, applications are open until October 16 for candidates who want the opportunity to take entry exam to become a Chicago police officer. The theme of police recruitment is, “Be the Change,” which reflects the belief that this new generation of police officers will lay the groundwork for a more diverse department and be future leaders who define how police support, protect and work together with Chicago's communities. By joining the police department, candidates will find an opportunity to serve the City while gaining valuable skills and making a lasting impact on an organization in the midst of significant reform. The next Police Entry Exam will take place the weekend of December 16. Learn more at: www.BeTheChangeCPD.com.

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