CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Police Department announced Monday the resumption of recruit training for Class 19-07 at the CPD Education & Training Academy, following a four-month suspension of training due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to CPD, the 87 probationary police officers with Class 19-07 have returned to the academy to complete their final six weeks of training, with an anticipated completion date of Aug. 21, 2020.
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"The health and safety of all Chicago Police Department members and recruits will always remain a top priority," said Deputy Chief Daniel Godsel, who oversees CPD’s Training & Support Group at the Academy. "We’re looking forward to getting our recruits across the finish line safely and effectively."
Due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic that has afflicted Chicago and other cities across the country, CPD suspended all recruit and in-service training conducted at the academy in March 2020 to ensure the health and safety of their members and recruits.
Chicago police recruits transitioned to supporting field operations across all 22 districts, as well as assembling personal protective equipment kits for department members at the Public Safety Headquarters.
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According to CPD, the department conducted an analysis of the safety, staffing, and facility requirements needed to resume training in a phased approach that complies with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standard Board, as well as public health guidelines established by the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.