PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

July 20, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact Information: PolicePRUnit@slcgov.com

Media Request Form: https://slcpd.com/mediarequest/

15 Officers Graduate SLCPD Police Academy

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, 15 Salt Lake City police recruits from Academy Class 162 took the next step in their law enforcement career by graduating from the Salt Lake City Police training academy.

“Policing is a profession steeped in tradition. Our police department is one of the oldest in the country,” said SLCPD Chief Mike Brown. “As today’s newest members of law enforcement, not only do you inherit the traditions of our police department and of our profession but are now joining the ranks of those who will shape the future of policing.”

“It’s not an easy feat to be here today, and I’m thrilled to welcome Recruit Class 162 to our police department,” Mayor Erin Mendenhall said. “I’m forever thankful for the sacrifices these men and women have made and grateful for those who choose to protect and serve our capital city.”

As outlined in the SLCPD’s 2022 Updated Crime Control Plan, filling all sworn positions is a top priority for the department.

For nearly seven months, the SLCPD Training Unit has provided the recruit officers with training around legal, reality-based (scenario), defensive tactics, firearms, crisis intervention, and emergency vehicle operations.

The officers now enter the next phase of their training process, known as field training. During this time, the officers are paired with a Field Training Officer (FTO) and are evaluated on how they perform the day-to-day functions of a patrol officer.

Chief Mike Brown added, “You are guardians of peace, advocates for justice, and pillars of support for those in need. Carry that responsibility with pride and integrity.”

The Salt Lake City Police Academy is a satellite academy that meets the guidelines and criteria set by the Utah Police Officer Standards and Training (POST).

As of July 18, 2023, the SLCPD has 42 vacant sworn positions from its authorized staffing level set by city council.

On Monday, May 15, 2023, the SLCPD welcomed eight recruits who are a part of Class 164. They are anticipated to graduate in November.

Five photos from today’s graduation ceremony are included with this press release.

To view the graduation ceremony, please click here.

Anyone interested in applying to be a police officer with the SLCPD should visit:  https://slcpd.com/joinourteam/.

Applications are being accepted for both new hire and lateral police officers.

1 – The 15 newest police officers of the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD photo | July 20, 2023).

2 – Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall speaks to SLCPD Academy Class 162 (SLCPD photo | July 20, 2023).

3 – Salt Lake Police Chief Mike Brown speaks at a police academy graduation (SLCPD photo | July 20, 2023).

4 – A Salt Lake City Police Sergeant swears in SLCPD Academy Class 162 (SLCPD photo | July 20, 2023).

5 – A family members pins a badge on a new Salt Lake City Police Officer (SLCPD photo | July 20, 2023).

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