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The Cincinnati Police Department welcomed 54 new officers following the graduation of its 119th recruit class on November 6. The graduates completed 26 weeks of academy training and must undergo another 13 weeks of training before field assignments. Despite the new additions, the department remains approximately 100 officers below its authorized staffing strength. Another recruit class is expected to begin in February 2027.
Cincinnati police have welcomed 54 new officers after recruits graduated from the Cincinnati Police Academy on November 6, marking a new addition to the department as it continues to address staffing shortages.
The graduates make up the department’s 119th recruit class, which completed 26 weeks of academy training in preparation for careers in law enforcement.
Cincinnati police recruits complete 26 weeks of training
The recruits underwent extensive training covering criminal law, de-escalation techniques, physical conditioning and responses to potentially dangerous situations.
Craig Gregory, commander of the Cincinnati Police Academy, highlighted the graduates’ commitment to protecting the community and upholding people’s rights.
He said the new officers must be prepared to protect individuals, including those expressing unpopular opinions or participating in demonstrations.
New officer Harrison Reed also described the academy experience, which included physical exercises, firearms training and subject-control techniques.
Reed said the training helped recruits develop the skills needed to assist residents and respond to situations requiring police intervention. He also emphasized the relationships built among classmates throughout the program.
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Although the 54 recruits have graduated, they must complete another 13 weeks of training before reporting to one of Cincinnati’s four police districts for field training.
The additional training will help prepare them for their responsibilities as police officers and their interactions with residents.
Their graduation marks another step in the department’s recruitment efforts, but the new officers will not immediately eliminate the existing staffing gap.
Cincinnati police department remains short of 100 officers
Despite welcoming the latest graduates, the Cincinnati Police Department remains approximately 100 officers below its authorized staffing strength, according to Gregory.
He attributed the shortage to retirements and employee attrition, which continue to affect the department’s ability to maintain its workforce.
Gregory also acknowledged that recruiting has become increasingly challenging as law enforcement agencies across the country compete to attract qualified candidates.
The department plans to continue its recruitment efforts, with another police academy class expected to begin in February 2027.
The upcoming class is part of Cincinnati’s broader efforts to address staffing needs and strengthen its police workforce.
FAQs
How long does Cincinnati police academy training last?
The latest recruit class completed 26 weeks of academy training. The graduates must also complete another 13 weeks of training before proceeding to field training.
Why is the Cincinnati Police Department facing a staffing shortage?
The department’s staffing shortage is attributed to retirements and employee attrition. Competition among law enforcement agencies to recruit qualified candidates has also made hiring more challenging.
How many police officers is Cincinnati short of its staffing goal?
The department is approximately 100 officers below its authorized staffing strength, according to Police Academy Commander Craig Gregory.
Where will the 54 new Cincinnati police officers be assigned?
After completing additional training, the recruits will report to one of Cincinnati’s four police districts for field training.
