Wilmington Mayor John Carney and Chief of Police Wilfredo Campos are announcing the start of the 106th Wilmington Police Academy, as well as the opening of the application process for the next class.
Starting on July 20, the 14 recruits who completed the comprehensive application and selection process began the department’s rigorous training program. Members of the 106th Police Academy class were selected from among the 317 men and women who applied to join the Wilmington Police Department – a significant increase in the number of applicants from the past several academies. In addition to the 14 future Wilmington Police officers in the class, 1 recruit from the Smyrna Police Department, 1 recruit from the Wyoming Police Department and 1 recruit from the Cheswold Police Department will also be participating in the training program.
“Responsible and effective policing is at the heart of all our public safety efforts, and we are grateful that this class of recruits has answered the call to serve our community,” said Mayor John Carney. “As the Academy kicks off, I know each of them will be committed to professionalism, public service, and building trust between law enforcement and the people they are privileged to serve.”
The Mayor and Chief congratulated the recruits on their selection following a lengthy application process, which included a written exam, physical ability test, interview panels including a Chief’s interview, and psychological and medical evaluations.
“We are proud to welcome our newest recruits to the Wilmington Police Department family, and appreciate how they have answered the call to serve our community and to dedicate their careers to public safety and public service,” said Chief Campos. “In the weeks and months to come, they will complete a challenging, rigorous training program designed to prepare them for successful careers serving Delaware’s largest city.”
The recruits will begin each morning with physical fitness training, followed by academics and preparation in a variety of learning environments. In addition to studying Delaware criminal and traffic law, patrol functions and procedural justice, all recruits receive training in topics like community policing, law enforcement legitimacy, implicit bias, de-escalation and crisis intervention tactics. The Academy is scheduled to conclude with graduation in December.
Applications are now being accepted for the department’s 107th Police Academy class, and members of the WPD Recruitment Team will be spending the coming weeks sharing information about career opportunities with our agency throughout the City – including through career fairs and other programs at community-based organizations, high schools and colleges, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Applications are due by September 4, and those interested in applying can visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov/PoliceAcademy to learn more and begin their online application today!
