BATON ROUGE, La. BRPROUD — Fifty-five new cadets have graduated from the Louisiana State Police Training Academy after completing 24 weeks of intensive training.
The training program includes a variety of courses such as crash investigations, emergency vehicle operations, impaired driving detection, fair and impartial policing, legal updates, advanced firearms training, leadership skills, and a demanding physical fitness regimen.
We’re excited to welcome these young men and women to the ranks of state police at a time when public safety is becoming increasingly important, said Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Robert P. Hodges.
The agency plans to hold two additional training classes in October and December.
With the growing expectations for public safety and law enforcement, we require smarter, better-trained, and more specialized individuals to join our force, Hodges added, highlighting the advancements in technology and tools available to officers.
Morgan Todd, elected president of Cadet Class 104, made history as the first female class president in the agency. She expressed that this achievement is a life-changing moment for her.
I’m honored to be in this position, as it shows young girls that they can aspire to achieve the same goals. It also sets a precedent for the women currently in the department, Todd said.
Hodges emphasized the ongoing efforts to strengthen community trust and the commitment to recruit more qualified candidates in future classes.