FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 1, 2021
SPD Honors and Welcomes Lateral Academy Graduates
On Friday, Oct. 1st, the Springfield Police Department welcomed two new officers into the ranks after graduating from our 19th Lateral Police Academy. The new graduates were honored with a ceremony at the Springfield Regional Police and Fire Training Center, 2620 W. Battlefield.
A lateral officer is an experienced officer who came from another law enforcement agency and attends an abbreviated academy at the Springfield Regional Police and Fire Training Center. During the lateral academy, they receive six weeks (240 hours) of training to become acclimated to Springfield and the Springfield Police Department. After graduation, the officers are assigned to an experienced field-training officer (FTO) for six weeks of on-the-job training. Once that’s completed, they will be assigned to SPD’s Uniform Operations Bureau.
Officer Kristen Spears comes to SPD from Anchorage Police Department and Officer Ethan Leasman comes from the New York City Police Department
Congratulations to each of our newest officers.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Bailey, Public Affairs Officer
417-864-1786
[email protected]