Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - The Las Cruces Police Department celebrated the graduation of six cadets from its 54th Academy on Friday, Dec. 20, marking the completion of an intensive 24-week training program.

The graduates include Vincent Montoya, Viridiana Porras, Juan Prieto, Alan Ramirez, Eric Reynolds and Jannette Soto. Montoya will join the New Mexico State University Police Department, while the remaining five cadets will begin their careers as officer-trainees with the Las Cruces Police Department.

The new LCPD recruits will now embark on an additional 14 weeks of field training under the guidance of seasoned officers, rotating through all three patrol shifts to gain hands-on experience.

The LCPD Academy surpasses state training requirements, providing 1,164 hours of accredited law enforcement education and instruction, certified by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. Approximately 60 percent of the training takes place in the classroom, with the rest focused on practical, field-based learning in and around Las Cruces.

All six graduates successfully passed rigorous exams, earning eligibility for New Mexico peace officer certification.

The department is already looking ahead to its 55th Academy, scheduled to begin in spring 2025. Those interested in joining the program can find more information at www.CLCPD.com.