Board questions MNPD staffing and recruitment; captain says last academy class graduated about a month ago

Board members asked MNPD representatives at the August meeting for details on recruitment, academy graduations, staffing levels and diversity goals.

A member asked for the date and the size of the most recent police academy graduating class; MNPD staff said a combined basic and lateral graduation occurred about one month before the meeting. Board members asked for the department’s current sworn staffing totals and how many women serve on the force. A department representative said the last formal figure recalled was roughly 12 percent women but that staff would confirm up‑to‑date counts.

The MNPD representative explained that the department typically runs multiple academy classes annually (a mix of basic and lateral classes) and that trainees are not always counted in sworn totals until they complete training. The official said recruitment and background processes take months and that the department conducts local and out‑of‑area recruiting events. Board members urged resuming classroom outreach to academy classes so the CRB can present materials about complaint procedures and oversight; staff volunteers said they would try to restart those sessions.

No formal board action was taken; staff agreed to provide specific numbers on sworn FTE totals, rookie class dates and the department’s current percentage of women and officers of color.