126th APD Cadets Join the Force

On March 21, the Austin Police Department held graduation ceremonies for the 126th Cadet Class at Great Hills Baptist Church.  Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell congratulated the 35 cadets on their accomplishments and Chief Art Acevedo welcomed the new officers to the Department and administered the Oath of Office. Other featured speakers were Lt. Ernie Hinkle and Mr. Ralph Wayne.  Following the ceremony, the large crowd of family members and friends joined the graduates and distinguished guests at a reception provided by the Austin Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association.

This class of cadets, along with the 125th class, comprising 33 cadets, which graduated in December, joins the Austin Police Department’s Patrol Unit in protecting and serving the citizens of Austin.  The 68 new officers are a much needed addition to help fill the almost 20% shortage in the Department.  The APD Training Academy, led by Commander Phillip Crochet, conducts classes continually through the year to fill vacancies on the police force.

To see photos of the 126th Cadet Class’s graduation, please see our photos page.

Lots of Ways to Support APD and Give Back to Your Community

Completing the CPA class gives citizens the privilege of volunteering to assist with many programs of the Austin Police Department.  And, at the same time, they offer service to the community, and know that they have made a contribution.  ACPAAA members can participate in volunteer opportunities with Blue Santa, National Night Out, VIN etchings, Academy training role play scenarios with cadets, receptions at cadet graduation ceremonies, pawn shop data entry, and sorting/filing arrest records.  If you are interested in volunteering, contact Melinda Rodriguez, ACPAAA President.

80th CPA Class Kicks Off

February 11, 2014, was day one of the current Citizen Police Academy session, a program which Austin began in 1987.  The 37 class participants were welcomed by SPO Kilgore and treated to a meal provided by the Austin CPA Alumni Association. Over the 14 weeks of the session, the class will receive information from police officers which will promote greater understanding of the operations of the department and police work in Austin.  In mid-March, the class president announced that she had received commitments from restaurants to provide food to the class on four dates during the session. Those generous restaurants are: Jimmy John’s, Hoover’s, Love Balls, and East Side Café.  The class also planned to hold an informational meeting for any members of their class and previous classes who will make application for police officer positions at APD.  Graduation ceremonies for the 80th class are planned for May 20.