Reno, NV… After completing 700 hours of intensive training to become Nevada peace officers, 36 recruits will graduate from the Northern Nevada Law Enforcement Academy this week.

The graduation ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20, in the Tuscany Ballroom at the Peppermill Hotel Casino.

The graduating class includes 27 from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, six from the Reno Police Department, two from the University of Nevada, Reno Police Department and one from the Sparks Police Department.

“Through their hard work and dedication, these men and women have earned the right to serve our great community as Police Officers and Deputy Sheriff’s,” said Academy Commander Lieutenant Greg Herrera of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. “This is a great achievement.”

The regional academy training took place over a 20 week period at the Regional Public Safety Training Center. In order to meet the numerous requirements for a Category I peace officer, recruits were trained and tested physically and academically. They were also required to demonstrate their skills and abilities through scenario based training exercises.

Academy topics include crime and crime scene investigation, constitutional law, criminal and civil law, search and seizure, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operation, weapons handling, victim’s rights, law enforcement ethics, and cultural awareness.

All graduates were required to pass the Nevada Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (POST) exam and meet Nevada POST physical fitness requirements.

The Northern Nevada Law Enforcement Academy is a Nevada approved POST Academy. The Academy is a cooperative effort between the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.

“This collaboration provides our community with the highest quality, most efficient, effective and progressive training in the region,” Lieutenant Herrera said.

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office celebrated 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Michael Haley is the 25th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County. His office continues to be the only full service public safety agency operating within northern Nevada and is responsible for operating the consolidated detention facility, regional crime lab, Northern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process, traditional street patrols and Regional Animal Services.