ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) graduated 41 cadets today as part of the 129th Cadet Class.

The new officers will now begin on-the-job training for several weeks before being assigned to their respective area commands.

“The strong numbers of this cadet class go to show our dedication to growing the Albuquerque Police Department and adding more officers to the rank and file, protecting our community,” said Chief Harold Medina. “This class is among one of the larger classes we’ve seen in recent academies, and the numbers are far greater than most in the last decade.”

The 129th Class was only the second class to participate in the Pre-Academy, a program implemented to reduce attrition rates. Historically, several cadets have left or been released from the academy before graduation. The Pre-Academy offers specialized training for skills that have posed challenges for past cadets.

Among today's graduates, several participated in LEAP, the Law Enforcement Aid Program. Created in 2023, LEAP aims to better prepare candidates for the Academy by addressing issues such as lengthy background checks and physical fitness standards that previously led to candidate losses.

The next Cadet Class is scheduled to graduate this fall.

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