SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Police Department on Monday welcomed 51 new cadets for their first day of training.
Chief William McManus said with these 51 new cadets, the total number of vacancies in the department will be reduced to 126.
The 51 new cadets spent their first day Monday training at the San Antonio Police Department Training Academy.
They will undergo extensive training over the next 33 weeks.
McManus said there were initially 53 cadets that were selected, from more than 300 applicants, but two dropped out today.
"These cadets are joining the force at a very difficult time across the country," said McManus. "But, the skills they learn in this academy will prepare them for everything they come across in the street."
San Antonio Police Union President Mike Helle said he's glad there's a new cadet class and that we need the resources.
However, Helle said we can't count these cadets toward vacancies until they graduate and put the badge on.
According to Helle, in May, there will be 223 vacancies, with another 113 expected to retire this fiscal year.
