San Jose Begins First Police Academy In Nearly Three Years
SAN JOSE (KCBS) – The thinning ranks of the San Jose Police Department will soon be getting some much needed reinforcements, as the department begins its first police academy in nearly three years.
44 cadets are part of this San Jose Police Academy, the first since 2009. In that time, the department has lost dozens of officers, some due to layoffs, retirements and some leaving for higher paying jobs in other departments.
Officer Albert Morales said they had over 600 applicants for this academy.
KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:
"We do get paid relatively well. But I think people come into this job, at least I know I did, for the satisfaction of helping people out," said Morales. "And also putting the bad guy in jail."
The new recruits are being trained in everything from firearms to classroom instruction.
Deputy Chief Dave Hober taught police academy students about the rules of search and seizure.
"This is the basis and foundation from which everything else derives. So they need to understand that they need to protect the people's constitutional rights," said Hober.
Even after graduation from the 22-week academy, the new officers won't hit the street until next July at the earliest.
(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
