Eight OSP Troopers to Graduate from First-Ever Fully Integrated Basic Police Class

OSP was asked by the Legislature and Governor to run all new troopers through the single, statewide training program.

Photo by: Tim King

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon State Police will graduate eight troopers from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) basic police training program, Friday, May 25, for the first time ever.

The morning graduation ceremony marks completion of the first fully-integrated basic police class facilitated by DPSST – which provides statutorily-required, basic training to newly-hired city police officers, county sheriff's deputies and OSP troopers. In the past, OSP has conducted its own trooper training course for new hires, however, with the construction of the Oregon Public Safety Academy, in southeast Salem, OSP was asked by the Legislature and Governor to run all new troopers through the single, statewide training program. "We think the integration of OSP into our existing Basic Police program has been very beneficial. It ensures that all new law enforcement officers work together to meet the same high standards for basic skills, knowledge and professionalism across the board," said DPSST Director John Minnis. "Integrated training will also have long-term benefits, due to the relationships officers are building across agency and organizational lines while they attend the academy together. Overall, we truly believe this integrated approach will result in improved working relationships among all Oregon law enforcement officers. It is a very exciting opportunity," he added. OSP Superintendent Timothy McLain agreed, "With the present state of law enforcement personnel levels in Oregon, we all depend on one another. This is a great day for those graduating and their respective agencies, and it is a huge benefit to everyone to train jointly, because we work together throughout all four corners of our state." Basic Police Class No. 292 graduation will begin at 9 a.m. at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, 4190 Aumsville Highway, Salem.