The Lawrence Police Department added 13 new recruits Tuesday who will begin training as part of the department’s sixth-month academy before they start patrolling the streets.
Police Chief Tarik Khatib said that with attrition the department is six positions down from its authorized level of commissioned officers.
The department last hired a new class of 13 recruits last August. City Manager David Corliss has again authorized hiring additional officers than the department has vacancies to try to mitigate future attrition through retirements, military leave and other departures.
Sgt. David Hogue, of the department’s training unit, said the new recruits are schedule to completed the department’s academy in December when they begin field training with experienced officers.
The new recruits are Derrick Smith II, Samuel Reid, Jonathon Hamilton Slate, Jordan Kircher, Kyle Owens, Dominique Sloan, Blake Reed, Ryan Padilla, Matthew Leslie, Peter Kerby, Amaury Collado, Miranda Madrueno and Gwyn Fogarty.
The department operates its own training academy while most officers in the state go to the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson, a division of Kansas University’s Continuing Education program.
Hogue said that operating its own academy allows officers to train recruits as they become more familiar with the department’s supervisors, officers and detectives, and policies and local ordinances.
“It allows us to be specific to Lawrence,” Hogue said.
Two Douglas County Sheriff’s recruits, Michael Folks and LeRonda Roome, will also participate in the department’s academy.
In addition, Sara Mills, who has experience working as a Kansas University police officer, will take part in some of the training academy as well as field training with current officers. Callee Souders, who will serve as a new desk officer, will also participate in sections of the academy as well, Hogue said.
Comments
Pywacket 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Congratulations to the new recruits! Hoping each enjoys a successful and rewarding career.
iron_outlaw 10 months, 3 weeks ago
This is my rifle, this is my gun....
Toto12 10 months, 3 weeks ago
What's with the package grab?
bigdave 10 months, 3 weeks ago
+1 LOL
evera 10 months, 3 weeks ago
think it will be 12 recruits after someone notices
Jayhawk_4_Life 10 months, 3 weeks ago
haha wow, front and center too..i really hope that's just a fist.
Did_I_say_that 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Congratulations to all. May success and safety be yours.
smitty 10 months, 3 weeks ago
"The department operates its own training academy while most officers in the state go to the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson, a division of Kansas University’s Continuing Education program."
That's a high priority training package grab, bought and paid for by the tax payers of Lawrence. Show a little respect bro!! roflmao
Paul R. Getto 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Good luck to all and thanks for being wlling to serve in an often thankless job.
Paul R. Getto 10 months, 3 weeks ago
"What's with the package grab?" Interesting point. The Romans required this, I believe, because if one lied under 'oath' one could lose a portion of one's anatomy. Testify--testicles?
beatnik 10 months, 3 weeks ago
they look like nice kids, i wish them well
cheeseburger 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Can't believe one of them made it through the vetting process. 13 will become 12, but not because of a package grab.
smitty 10 months, 3 weeks ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
smitty 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Try again. The names are lpresented in order of the photo so .......Look up Amaury Collado from Topeka in CJ. Is this the same guy? Why yes it is.
Topeka, no less.
The new standard for LPD transparency is to do a crotch grab just a few feet away from a female observer of the ceremony while the cameras flash.
smitty 10 months, 3 weeks ago
OK, just one more..
This newbie has reached unparalleled transparency as never before known to the LPD.
Just one more...
Will this unprecedented transparency hold up in court?
one more... Hang(d) in there, officer!
lol
ctrowbridge 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Hi all. We have replaced the photo of the recruits being sworn in that the police department provided. We're not interested in having anyone needlessly embarrassed. — Caroline Trowbridge, Community Editor
smitty 10 months, 3 weeks ago
......(t)he(y) embarrassed himself.
MarcoPogo 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Ironic Post of the Day!!!
beatnik 10 months, 3 weeks ago
the police department provided that photo???
ctrowbridge 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Yes.
cheeseburger 10 months, 3 weeks ago
So where were the editors in this process, Caroline? Seems to me the damage is already done. The LJW's concern regarding embarrassment is admirable, albeit after-the-fact.
psycho_theclown 10 months, 3 weeks ago
That new Dunkin' Donuts on 6th St. went in just in time.
oldbaldguy 10 months, 3 weeks ago
My son is a cop. Anyone who signs up to be a sworn officer should be commended. Let's hope they all pay attention in training.
beatnik 10 months, 3 weeks ago
you are and deserve to be very proud of your son
rtpayton 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I thought the article stated 13 were hired. Appears as if 14 are being sworn in.
George Diepenbrock 10 months, 3 weeks ago
rtpayton, The story notes this: "In addition, Sara Mills, who has experience working as a Kansas University police officer, will take part in some of the training academy as well as field training with current officers."
Sara Mills is the 14th person in the photo.
Thanks
antonioandolini 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Congratulations cadets!!! Serve Lawrence proud. Your first training session will be on the proper mechanics of "Pocket Pool". One of you showed in the picture you already have experience and that will help you on those midnight shifts.
greenworld 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I count 14 according to the picture, did one already quit or what??
Frankie8 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Seriously? Seems to me like all the cadets have their hands in pretty much the same place.
This is really not a joking situation. I hope that they know that you never read the comments in a story about yourself.
It would seem to be a pretty thankless job where people expect the worst from you and thank that you are a joke. Why would anyone take this on? I am very glad they do and I have had help from some very polite and competent officers. But, still, with all the aggravation, why?
DillonBarnes 10 months, 3 weeks ago
The picture was changed since the comments. It was bad luck, I don't think anyone is actually criticizing the recruits because of a bad picture.
With all due respect, lighten up a little, I think you're taking this too seriously.
greenworld 10 months, 3 weeks ago
They are all being brainwashed. lol.....why is the average age look like 21-25 yrs old. Could there be some possible age discrimination going on.
antonioandolini 10 months, 3 weeks ago
OK!!! All trainees line up and reach for your gun ---- I mean the one on in the holster on the side of your body!!!
cheeseburger 10 months, 3 weeks ago
It's amazing one of them made it through the vetting process with their background and behavioral issues. The class will likely shrink from 13 to 12, but it won't have anything to do with a package grab.
Lifetimer1960 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Since you have taken the time to mention this twice, cheeseburger, you must personally know this young gentleman or lady. I know for a fact they go through a very stringent "vetting process". Do you think they slipped through?
cheeseburger 10 months, 3 weeks ago
I know the vetting process is very stringent, and that's what makes this even more difficult to believe.
Lifetimer1960 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Then maybe you don't know the one you speak of as well as you think you do!
Cant_have_it_both_ways 10 months, 3 weeks ago
The question was asked: "Who farted".
NotRelated 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Have so damn respect this is a huge moment for these people and their families, the hiring process is difficult and long. The training is long and arduous. Commenting and singling someone out is rude and disrespectful. Imagine if in your job you were held under a microscope 24/7. We are lucky to have a top notch police force of not small minded officers. They are our sons and daughters, our wives and husbands, our parents, and our neighbors. Congrats guys, now with that said don't taze me bro.
greenworld 10 months, 3 weeks ago
Raise your right hand and repeat after me....rule number one- I will never excuse any tickets for Ku basketball tickets....
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