PROVIDENCE – Fifty-five recruits graduated from the 68th Providence Police Department Training Academy Monday morning, comprising the largest and most diverse class in the Department’s history. At a ceremony held at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, Public Safety Commissioner Steven M. Paré, Police Chief Colonel Hugh T. Clemens, Jr., and members of the Providence Police Department honored the graduates who will now serve as representatives of Providence’s Finest.
After 2,200 applications and 24-weeks of training, 55 graduates remained to continue into service. With 27 first-generation American citizens, 9 from outside the United States, 19 bilingual speakers, 38 minorities and 12 women, the class is the most diverse the force has ever seen.
This class also marks the first to undergo a new progressive community-focused curriculum developed by department staff led by Director of Training Lieutenant Kevin M. Lanni. The new curriculum was developed in cooperation with community partners and a recruitment advisory board, and serves to enhance department legitimacy and trust within the community.
“Today marks an important occasion as we congratulate the 68th Providence Police Department Academy on the completion of their training,” said Elorza. “As the most diverse class in our department’s history, this cohort has the opportunity to strengthen the community-police relations that have benefitted our city.”
“We thank our newest officers for their commitment to ensuring the safety of the people of Providence,” Elorza said.
Kyle Borowski is a PBN contributing writer.
