LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — While most of the Las Vegas Valley sleeps, early morning alarms go off in the homes of more than 100 recruits who are training to protect and serve the community.
FOX5 spent a day with recruits inside the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s academy to get a glimpse of what the 105-day process is like amid their All In. All ready. All LVMPD’s campaign.
Under the last light of the moon, flashlights emerged from the Metro Police training center in the Northwest valley as training officers delivered a rude awakening to recruits lined up before sunrise.
“Quit moving around, y’all,” officers shouted as recruits stood at attention. “You should be at a position of attention!”
The day started with physical training and a three-mile run as recruits were pushed past their limits, just as they would be when responding to emergencies while on the job.
Next came a crash course on Use of Force, including taser training and real-life scenario practice.
“Everything we do here is just words on a page. If you don’t put it into practice, I’ve wasted my 8 hours talking, you’ve wasted your 8 hours listening,” said LVMPD Officer Joshua Law, who led the course.
Recruits are put through real-life scenarios so they know how to respond when citizens of the Las Vegas Valley call for help. Their goal is to choose the correct level of force depending on what they encounter.
In one example scenario involving a bar fight, recruits must choose from their tool belt whether to use a baton, taser, or firearm, all with the goal of de-escalation.
“The overall goal is to use the lowest level of force possible to control a situation. We’re never trying to overuse force,” said LVMPD Lt. Joshua Stark.
The ‘Green Class,’ made up of just under 30 recruits, is one of three active classes currently training. They started their journey at the end of August and are scheduled to graduate in March if all goes as planned.
However, not everyone will make it through the academy. Recent data shows that about 20% of recruits will leave the academy before completion.
The test is now open for applicants interested in joining Metro’s spring police academy. Applicants must be 21 years or older, have a driver’s license, and pass a background check.
Metro’s recruiting sergeant said they are hoping to fill positions as the Las Vegas Valley continues to grow.
The department has launched ads on social media, put up billboards, and wrapped a shuttle bus to highlight their new Cybertrucks as part of their recruitment effort.
According to Metro police, the department’s current vacancy rate sits at only 4%, representing about 170 positions.
However, LVMPD Recruiting Sergeant John Deschutter explained the department has several reasons for the aggressive hiring campaign despite the relatively low vacancy rate.
The department expects more positions to open with two new area commands planned. The holidays are also a popular time for retirement, but not a popular time for new recruit applications.
Newly created special units, including a new drone unit, require staffing that pulls manpower from traditional patrols.
“We need to ensure there’s plenty of officers coming to backfill them. So that way our day-to-day police functions aren’t affected as we have to shift our resources to meet the needs of the community,” Deschutter said.
You can find more information about how to apply, and LVMPD’s Recruiting Campaign titled: ‘All in. All ready. All LVMPD.’ here.
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
