Thirty recruits have graduated from the Minneapolis Police Academy in one of the department’s largest classes in recent years, as the force continues its effort to rebuild after years of falling numbers.
The ceremony took place at St Olaf Catholic Church on Wednesday, with 29 recruits taking the oath to join the Minneapolis Police Department. The remaining graduate will serve with Minneapolis Park Police.
The class includes 28 men and two women, while nine of the graduates come from six different countries. Following the ceremony, the number of sworn Minneapolis police officers stood at 643.
Minneapolis police ranks remain below mandated level
Despite the latest intake, the department remains well short of the 731 officers required under the city charter.
Minneapolis had roughly 900 officers before the Covid-19 pandemic and the unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd. Numbers later fell to about 500, but recruitment has since begun to recover.
The department says it has added 128 officers so far this year. That is below the 162 recruited last year, but almost twice the 68 officers added in 2024.
Mayor Jacob Frey attended the ceremony and acknowledged the demands facing the new recruits.
“This is not easy work but we believe in you,” he said.
Commander Monica Hanson described the size of the graduating group as evidence that the department was regaining momentum. She said sustained backing from the community and city leaders had helped attract applicants.
Police Chief Bill Peterson told the recruits that their conduct would have consequences beyond the department itself.
“You are stepping into a role where your actions matter not only to this department but to everyone who calls Minneapolis home,” he said.
The new officers are expected to begin field training later this week.
