On July 12, Chief Richard Myers enthusiastically welcomed 27 new police recruits to the Newport News Police Academy. This is almost twice as many as the class that just graduated on June 1st of this year – an exciting accomplishment for the Department and the recruitment team that has worked tirelessly to recruit qualified candidates for the academy.
At the Newport News Police Academy, applicants must pass very stringent requirements before being accepted. They must pass an entrance exam consisting of memorization, reading comprehension, and map analysis skills. The physical agility test requires recruits to be able to run a quarter of mile in at least one minute and 30 seconds, do a six foot running broad jump, scale a 5 foot wall, drag a 130 pound weight and, of course, possess an appropriate grip strength.
Then, during the structured oral process, applicants are seated in front of a computer and must respond to three video scenarios. These scenarios are designed to analyze behaviors important to police services. If they pass the above, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted to include employment verification, personal references, financial responsibility, neighbor contacts, and a review of any criminal record. All of this information is then reviewed by a trained panel. As only applicants of excellent character are considered, a polygraph examination is administered as well.
Once the above are successfully accomplished, one-on-one interviews are held with Chief Myers. Following a successful medical and psychological evaluation, recruits then start the real work – training.
Under the excellent tutelage and guidance of the training team, including Academy Director, Lt. Brandon Creswell, Assistant Director, Sgt. Jessica Pennington, Range Master, Sgt. Perry Bartels, and their team of experienced Master Police Officers, the NNPD has one of the most impressive training programs in the state.
After academy graduation, scheduled for this winter, officers spend approximately three months with a Certified Field Training Officer and are then ready to help support our mission of reducing crime and the fear of crime to enhance public safety and quality of life.
“Our department is committed to hiring only the most dedicated, hard-working, honorable men and women to help protect our city. Because of academy acceptance policies and the team that trains our recruits, that’s what we get,” said Chief Myers.
For information on joining the Newport News Police Department, visit nnva.gov/recruit.