Madison Reporter

MADISON, Wis. – The Madison Police Department welcomed its 70th academy class during a ceremony on Tuesday morning.

This year’s class consists of 32 recruits who took an oath to serve and protect the people of Madison. "Today is exciting. I wanted a job where I could help others," said Karina De Los Santos, one of this year’s recruits. "I am the first person in my family to become a police officer."

De Los Santos, originally from Illinois, interned at the Madison Police Department last year and developed an affinity for the city. Over the next six months, she and her classmates will participate in MPD’s in-house academy, receiving extensive training in areas such as law, crisis intervention, use of community resources, and patrol operations.

"You have to be selfless. This job is not about you," Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes told the recruits during Tuesday’s ceremony. "You will work hard. You have to earn this. It is a privilege to serve your community."

The Madison Police Department’s training academy is recognized as one of the most comprehensive in the country and is conducted under the direct supervision of the Madison Police Department Training Staff.