The Chattanooga Police Department on Thursday graduated 32 cadets from its 22-week police academy, the largest class in more than a decade.

By operating its own academy, the Chattanooga Police Department can tailor key portions of its training to address the specific needs of the Chattanooga community while ensuring recruits are fully prepared to uphold and enforce Tennessee law. The program exceeds Tennessee Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) requirements and meets Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies standards.

“I’m incredibly proud of this class and what it represents for our department and our city,” said Chief John Chambers. “These 32 men and women have earned this badge through discipline, integrity, and a commitment to serving Chattanooga.” 

The graduates range in age from 20 to 36. Fourteen are from Chattanooga or Hamilton County, one comes from as far away as Alaska, and 10 have prior military service.

The new officers will now begin 16 weeks of field training, working alongside experienced CPD Field Training Officers as they transition into patrol assignments.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Silverdale Baptist Activities Center. CPD thanks Silverdale for providing the event space to mark this milestone for the department and its newest officers.