800 applications were filed in autumn 2020. The respective recruits have already passed the state exam and are currently conducting the specialised test to be allowed into the police academy. Even though the admission requirements are high, the police force remains confident that the necessary 200 candidates for this year will still apply.
HR director Francis Lutgen elaborates: "We decided to increase the physical requirements last summer, which has lead to 15% fewer people passing the test. Nevertheless, this does not mean that we will struggle to get enough new recruits in." A quarter of the latest group of recruits were women.
The traineeship used to take three years, but has been reduced to two: one year of theory, one year of practice. A new academy complex is currently being built opposite the police management offices in Findel. As of 1 January 2021, the police counted 2,543 officers in their ranks.
As with other educational institutions, the police academy reopened its doors on Monday, following the slightly extended winter break. A group system has now been established to better protect teachers and students. As a precaution, practical lessons are currently suspended.
Around 100 people are currently in the academy.
