Raleigh Police swears in 32 officers from 132nd academy

Raleigh — The Raleigh Police Department on Friday swore in 32 officers from its 132nd academy, marking the completion of months of classroom and field training and the start of their assignments across the city's patrol districts.

Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce congratulated the graduates and framed the day as “a celebration of commitment, perseverance, and purpose,” urging new officers to lean on their training and one another as they begin patrol duties. Major Renee Lockheart, who led the ceremony introductions, and Training Director Dan Hicks recognized the academy staff and partner organizations that supported the class.

The academy’s class president, Recruit Jacob Webb, told attendees the cohort began with 58 recruits and that “the 32 men and women standing here today chose to be the police,” saying the class adopted the motto “bear the weight” to reflect service and shared responsibility.

Organizers described the training requirements that undergird the academy. The ceremony referenced a state minimum of 868 hours for basic law enforcement education; Raleigh instructors said the department’s basic program requires roughly 1,200 hours followed by additional patrol-school training. The transcript also includes a later reference to approximately 1,400 total academy hours; the department described its program as more extensive than the state minimum.

Awards recognized top performers in academic, fitness, driving and firearms categories. Christian Williams received the academic award and the Captain Robert L. Bun Memorial Award as the overall outstanding graduate. Delfino Roman received the physical fitness award; Shawn Kim received the night-driving award; and Recruit Shawn Town received the firearms award. The academy also honored Tay Varin with a motivational award.

Deputy City Clerk Pritchard administered the oath of office. Graduates repeated the pledge to enforce the criminal laws of the state, avoid influence by personal bias or prejudice, and support the constitutions of the United States and North Carolina.

Training Director Dan Hicks noted the academy’s testing regimen — 39 end-of-topic tests culminating in a comprehensive state exam — and thanked instructors for preparing recruits for field training. Chaplain Matt Holst delivered the invocation and a benediction during the ceremony. Providence Church hosted the event and the Raleigh Television Network streamed the proceedings.

The new officers were pinned by family members and will begin their assignments across Raleigh’s patrol districts as listed during the ceremony. The department thanked retired employees, partner agencies and community supporters for attending the graduation.

No formal votes or policy decisions were taken at the ceremony; it was a ceremonial swearing-in and recognition of training completion.