RPD swears in ten new officers

As police departments across the country struggle to recruit officers, the Rochester Police Department welcomed ten new officers to the department on Wednesday night.

Officers were accompanied by their friends and family to receive their badges and to take the oath of office.

It was not only a special moment for these officers and their families but a milestone for one woman who finally became a police officer.

Aleya Noven was sworn in on Wednesday night after being a part of RPD’s Police Explorer program since high school.

“Make people feel safe the way that police officers have made me feel safe and I know that I can’t change the world it’s gonna be hard to change the world so start with the community and one community at a time,” the 22-year-old said.

Rochester Police Chief Jim Franklin was happy for these officers as they begin to take the next steps. One of Franklin’s goals is to expand diversity in his organization. He said, despite recruiting numbers being down, he has hope.

“The fact that we’ve got ten officers men and women of character and integrity that are ready and willing to put this badge on – put this uniform on and serve this community – making a great Rochester is such a symbol of hope,” Franklin said.

These ten officers will now transition to a four-month field training process where they will get one-on-one sessions on how to serve the Rochester community.