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Austin swears in 38 officers after 32-week academy; city leaders stress integrity and community trust
Summary
The Austin Police Department commissioned 38 new officers who completed a 32-week academy cohort that began 05/05/2025. Speakers including Hays County Sheriff Anthony Hippolito, Mayor Kirk Watson and Chief Lisa Davis urged the graduates to uphold integrity, accountability and community service.
Austin commissioned 38 new police officers onstage at a graduation ceremony at Greater Mount Zion Church, marking the completion of a 32-week training cycle that began on 05/05/2025 with 63 trainees, Commander Lawrence Lee Davis said.
The ceremony included remarks from Hays County Sheriff Anthony Hippolito, Mayor Kirk Watson and Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, award presentations and the administration of the oath of office.
Sheriff Anthony Hippolito, speaking of the profession’s core duties, told the cadets: “Carry your integrity like armor.” He urged the graduates to be accountable and to build trust with the community, saying accountability “builds trust faster than anything else.”
Cadet Victor Bullock, elected class president, thanked instructors and classmates and said the cohort chose “service above self,” noting the class adapted after a mid-academy change in instructional staff. Dr. Kevin Foster presented the Humanitarian Award and recounted that the award honors retired APD Lieutenant Ernie Hinkle, who died on 03/26/2023. Robin J. Henderson, chief of staff, presented the Honor Cadet Award to Alfonso Cardona for exemplifying leadership and professionalism.
Mayor Kirk Watson congratulated the graduates and highlighted recent public-safety work in Austin, saying the city has “lowered violent crime” and “improved 9-1-1 response times” while emphasizing the city’s commitment to making APD a “national model for policing in the 21st century.”
Chief Lisa Davis administered the oath of office and told the cadets to “hold on to your why,” promising continued investment in training, technology and officer safety. During the oath the new officers pledged to “faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties” of an Austin police officer and to enforce the law “without fear, favor, or discrimination.”
Commander Lawrence Lee Davis opened the program by noting the class began with 63 recruits on 05/05/2025 and that 38 completed the program’s physical, academic and ethical standards. He also asked attendees to observe a moment of silence for officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and to remember a recently deceased civilian staff counselor.
The event concluded after badge-pinning, the oath and brief closing remarks; refreshments were provided by the APD Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. There were no formal votes or motions during the ceremony.
