TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Terre Haute Police Department swore in eight new officers at the THPD station Wednesday morning.
The new recruits come in following several retirements that took place in the department at the beginning on the year. Officers that were sworn in had to undergo a written test, an agility test and background investigations by the merit board.
The officers selected are meant to serve and fill in the gaps for the department. They will initially serve as entry level patrol officers while existing officers fill in the detective and supervisor roles.
Staffing continues to be a concern nationwide and Chief Shawn Keen said being able to hire new officers is a big deal.
“Like I said, I know nationwide departments are struggling,” Keen said. “There’s departments that have 300 or 400 vacancies in the larger cities that they just can’t fill right now. I’m excited at least now in our community that we are still able to fill those slots and we have good people coming up.”
The new officers will now undergo a year of training, including an Field Training Officer program as well as a 16-week academy.
