LCPD Accepting Applications for Upcoming Academy

The Las Cruces Police Department is accepting applications for its training academy that is tentatively set to begin in March 2025.

Applications for Police Cadet must be submitted no later than Dec. 2, 2024.

The starting salary for police cadets, those who are accepted into the academy, is $20 per hour while in the academy. Graduates from the 22-week academy become officer trainees who receive $24 per hour. Officer trainees who successfully complete their one-year probationary status become patrol officers and earn a salary of $28.84 per hour.

LCPD also offers generous hiring incentives for cadets with a three-year commitment. The incentives are non-stackable:

• $11,000 for each cadet.
• $15,000 for an associate degree.
• $20,000 for bachelor’s degree or four years of honorable military service or retirement from military.
• $25,000 for bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, criminal justice or criminology.
• $30,000 for master’s degree in sociology, psychology, criminal justice or criminology.

Some recruits who live outside of Las Cruces may be eligible for up to $5,000 in relocation assistance.

Applicants are required to be U.S. citizens, at least 19 years old when application is submitted, have at least a high school diploma and no felony convictions.

Prospective candidates can learn more about the academy by visiting LCPD’s Recruitment Page. Those interested can text “JoinLCPD” to 5753766817 to speak with a recruiter.

The Las Cruces Police Department is allocated 220 commissioned officers. The department currently employs 183 officers.

More information and applications can be found online.