MIAMI – Twenty-five newly hired Miami police recruits began their academy classes Tuesday morning.
Miami Police Chief Manuel Orosa introduced the 25 recruits, along with 10 recent graduates who begin working next week.
"These people are Miami. These people are from different nationalities, races, languages. They mirror the city of Miami," said Mayor Tomas Regalado. "We have seen some officers are retiring. There has been a spike in crime in some neighborhoods."
Some of the new officers will work in Coconut Grove and The Roads neighborhoods, which have seen an uptick in burglaries.
"The chief has sent already three new officers to the Grove, two new officers to The Roads section," said Regalado.
The police academy training lasts six months. On their first day, the recruits went through shock drills.
"It was very intense, scared at first, but it's something that's a big opportunity for me," said Rosny Obas.