The Las Cruces Police Department will start accepting applications for its next training academy on July 6. The 22-week paid academy is set to start January 2027. Police cadet salaries while in the academy are $24 per hour. Graduates from the academy become officer trainees who then receive $26 per hour. Trainees who finish a one-year probation status become patrol officers, who earn $30.28 per hour.
Benefits and Incentives
LCPD officers work four 10-hour shifts. The police department is also offering hiring incentives for cadets with a three-year commitment. Some recruits who live outside Las Cruces may be eligible for up to $5,000 to help them relocate. Other benefits for LCPD recruits include annual leave and vacation time. First-year officers earn 256 hours of leave each year once they finish their one-year probation.
Leave and paid vacation time breaks down into 80 hours of annual leave, 80 hours of personal leave, and 96 hours of sick leave. With the four 10-hour shifts, annual and personal leave total 16 days off each year, plus holidays and regular days off.
Application Requirements
Applications for the police cadet position open on July 6 and close on September 16. LCPD has a budget for 198 officers and currently has 183. Before starting the 22-week academy, there’s a six-week pre-academy.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
