Cincinnati Police Department welcomes 54 new officers amid staffing challenges

Cincinnati Police Department welcomes 54 new officers amid staffing challenges Advertisement Updated: 6:13 PM EST Nov 6, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Ashley Kirklen Anchor/Reporter Cincinnati Police Department welcomes 54 new officers amid staffing challenges Updated: 6:13 PM EST Nov 6, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Ashley Kirklen Anchor/Reporter CINCINNATI — Fifty-four new police recruits graduated from the Cincinnati Police Academy, marking the end of months of training and the beginning of their careers in law enforcement. The department’s 119th recruit class spent 26 weeks preparing for this moment, learning criminal law, de-escalation techniques, and how to respond to potentially dangerous situations. Advertisement After 13 weeks of additional training, these new officers will report to one of Cincinnati’s four police districts for field training. Craig Gregory, CPD Academy commander, highlighted the importance of their commitment. "Be grateful that there are 54 individuals here who are willing to protect the rights of those whose words, beliefs and demonstrations offend much of society," Gregory said. Officer Harrison Reed described the training process. "Training consisted of a lot of physical exercise, subject control, a lot of techniques with our firearms. Pretty much everything that you need to be tactful with when dealing with citizens that need help," Reed said. For Reed, the experience was also about building relationships with fellow recruits. "Becoming family with my recruitment. I saw, you know, each month, like a year, growing close to each other," Reed said. The new officers are joining the force at a time when the department is working to address staffing shortages. Gregory said CPD is still about 100 officers short of its authorized strength due to retirements and attrition. "Right now, it's a field where a lot of law enforcement agencies are trying to fill their gaps, too. So it's very difficult to fill that void," Gregory said. Another academy class is expected to begin in February, as the department continues its efforts to close the gap and meet staffing needs. Make WLWT a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks Watch: Giant pandas make much-anticipated debut at Zoo Atlanta 19-year-old to become one of Massachusetts' youngest representatives in state history Dramatic video: Mother rescues man drowning 'We brought him home': A WWII soldier killed 82 years ago has finally been laid to rest