Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: August 17, 2004

Phone: 318/673-6932 Fax: 318/673-6933

Contact: Sgt. Jim Taliaferro, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shreveport Police Academy Starts

On Monday, August 16^th, 21 cadets of Basic Training Class 52 reported for their first assignment, to be challenged physically, mentally and emotionally in their pursuit of being a Shreveport Police Officer at the end of 16 weeks.

Class 52 comprises personnel from diverse cultures and backgrounds. This class is senior to most who have made the journey before, posting an average age of 30 and with 80% of the class being former military, this class will be as enthusiastic and motivated from day one. The breakdown of class 52 is: 19 males (7 b/m, 1 h/m, 11 w/m), 2 females (1 b/f, 1 w/f)

This will be the 2^nd and last class for 2004. In 2003, the department was only able to train one class due to budget cuts. The department normally has two classes scheduled each calendar year.

After graduation, the recruits will go to patrol, where they will work several months with Field Training Officers. One year after graduation, they are eligible to become certified and begin receiving state incentive pay along with their city salaries.

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View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews