Photo by Sarah Bennett 

50 Long Beach Police Department recruits began their intensive six-month training yesterday morning, embarking on what will become the first academy class to replenish the department in nearly four years. 

Academy Class 86 was created with funds from the FY13 budget, which were set aside not necessarily to hire more officers, but to offset those lost through annual retirements. The $2.9 million cost was funded using a combination of one-time resources and position savings within the Police Department.

“The start of Academy Class 86 is a very exciting time for our department,” said Police Chief Jim McDonnell. “I am looking forward to watching this group of recruits as they progress through our rigorous training program to become well-qualified police officers in our community. They will be a welcome addition to the team of dedicated men and women who are already working to keep Long Beach safe.”

McDonnell recently told Art Levine on the show Straight Talk that LBPD currently has about 780 officers, however, that figure includes at least 60 that patrol and are paid for by the the airport, the Port, Long Beach Transit and LBUSD. Due to budget restraints, the police department has cut officer numbers every year since 2007, when the LBPD was at a high of 970 sworn officers. This will be the first academy class to graduate since 2009.

For 27 weeks, the recruits–who include ex-military and Marine Patrol officers–will be challenged both mentally and physically and will be instructed in the many facets of law enforcement. After they graduate in December, they will then partner with a seasoned patrol officer for a year-long field training program.

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