Frequently Asked Questions
- I have my degree in Criminal Justice; can I be hired and placed
directly into Criminal Investigations or other specialized area
within the department without having to spend time as a patrol
officer?
- I served as a military police officer in the armed forces;
can I be hired as a lateral entry officer?
- If I attend the Las Cruces Police Academy, may I still attend
college classes or may I still work part-time at my current job?
- Am I paid while attending the Las Cruces Police Academy?
- Is the police academy a live-in facility or can I stay at my
residence?
- Do I have to live within the City limits of Las Cruces to be
accepted into the police academy?
- How long is the academy?
- What does an academy day consist of?
I have my degree in Criminal Justice; can I be hired
and placed directly into Criminal Investigations or other specialized
area within the department without having to spend time as a patrol
officer?
No, one must work as a uniformed patrol officer first. Uniform
patrol is the backbone of the police mission. It is here that the
officer gains the knowledge and experience required to become an
investigator or specialist.
I served as a military police officer in the armed forces; can
I be hired as a lateral entry officer?
Although the New Mexico Department of Public Safety now recognizes
military police schools and military police experience as equivalent
to civilian military service, the Las Cruces Police Department prefers
that you attend a certified law enforcement academy such as the Las Cruces
Police Academy or New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.
If I attend the Las Cruces Police Academy, may I still attend college
classes or may I still work part-time at my current job?
You may continue with online courses with approval from Human
Resources. You may not have a part-time job or attend classes. You
are hired by the City of Las Cruces as a police recruit in the Las
Cruces Police Academy receiving a salary while attending the ten
hour, four days per week academy. You will be devoting your time
and energy to the police academy during your training.
Am I paid while attending the Las Cruces Police Academy?
Yes. You are hired by the City of Las Cruces as a police recruit
in the Las Cruces Police Academy receiving a salary while attending the
ten hour, four days per week academy.
Is the police academy a live-in facility or can I stay at my residence?
There is no dormitory facility with the Las Cruces Police Academy.
Each recruit reports at a designated time each day to the police
academy.
Do I have to live within the City limits of Las Cruces to be accepted
into the police academy?
No. It is not required that you live in the City of Las Cruces to be
accepted to or while attending the police academy. How long is the academy?
The academy is approximately 6 months long. The curriculum is
under going some changes and may shorten the academy. We operate
on 4-10 hour days, Monday through Thursday. Overtime
may be required for some training.
What does
an academy day consist of?
- 0530 am Physical Training
- 0750 am Academy Formation/Inspection
- 0800 am Class
- 1200 pm Lunch
- 1250 pm Academy Formation/Inspection
- 1300 pm Class
- 1645 pm Defensive Tactics Training
- 1730 pm Released
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