Academy Information

Once hired as a Police Recruit, you will begin a probationary period and you will attend the New Mexico Department of Public Safety Police Academy in Santa Fe. While in the Academy, you will receive hundreds of hours of training in all areas of law enforcement including law, firearms, defensive tactics, driving and physical fitness. Recruits at the Academy adhere to a strict schedule and must meet rigorous academic requirements. The schedule and standards for graduation are challenging and are designed to produce professional and knowledgeable Police Officers. More information on the Police Academy is available from the DPS at http://www.dps.nm.org/training/ .

Upon graduation from the Police Academy recruits are certified law enforcement officers in New Mexico and return to UNMPD where they accept their Oath of Office and become Police Officers.

New Officers then begin a training program with a Field Training Officer (FTO). This process is designed to help a new officer understand his duties and further develop the skills learned at the Academy. During this time, new Officers will work alongside an FTO who will coach and guide the new officer towards completion of this training phase, at which time the officer is able to work alone.

Upon completion of the FTO process and probation, Officers are eligible to receive certifications as K-9 Officers, Bicycle Patrol Officers, Field Investigators, Field Training Officer, Investigations, Civil Disturbance Control, Traffic Enforcement, Firearms Instructors and other specialized units.