Providence police look to recruit for its 72nd police academy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence police are looking to recruit new officers for its 72nd police academy — which was included in Mayor Brett Smiley’s fiscal year 2024 budget.

“I am excited to be taking this next step in improving our local public safety, by opening a new police academy that will help us better support the needs of our community,” Smiley said Monday.

Col. Oscar Perez said they will reach out to possible recruits “through new innovative ways” to form a highly qualified group of “outstanding” officers.

The Providence Police Department Training Academy is made up of seven “comprehensive phases,” including a physical fitness test, background investigation, and psychological evaluation.

Perez said the academy is about 24 weeks long and includes over 812 hours of training in law enforcement best practices. Recruits also take a three-day in class training on de-escalation and implicit bias.

“In partnership with our community partners and leaders, we strive to have another academy composed of individuals who reflect the community that they serve,” said the colonel.

The application process opens Monday and closes in October. Anyone interested has to complete the application online.