Henderson Police Begins Academy 14, Nearing Impressive Zero Officer Vacancy Rate

City's Largest-Ever Police Academy Class Marks Milestone in Public Safety Investment

HENDERSON, Nev. (May 11, 2026) - The Henderson Police Department is celebrating a public safety milestone with the launch of Henderson Police Academy Class 14, welcoming 56 recruits into its largest academy class ever assembled as today's first inspection marks the official start of training for the newest cohort.

If all recruits successfully complete the academy and graduate in November, the department is expected to reach a near-zero officer vacancy rate. This milestone reflects the City's sustained investment in public safety and stands as a testament to the Mayor and City Council's prioritization of community safety.

In 2022, the Henderson Police Department experienced officer vacancy rates exceeding 14 percent, reflecting a broader nationwide challenge driven by retirements, officer departures, and an increasingly competitive hiring environment. Addressing this gap became an immediate City priority and prompted a comprehensive, department-wide recruitment overhaul.

The City of Henderson responded with a coordinated set of initiatives designed to strengthen and expand the officer pipeline, including:

• Hiring a dedicated Public Safety Recruitment Specialist
• Launching the department's first cadet program
• Expanding recruitment of local talent
• Eliminating testing fees to reduce barriers to entry
• Streamlining the hiring process
• Expanding PT sessions to better prepare applicants

These efforts were made possible through strong collaboration across City leadership, Human Resources, Communications and Marketing, HPD Backgrounds, and Training divisions.