Minneapolis welcomes 25 new cops

Twenty-five new Minneapolis police officers will be on patrol starting Wednesday.

The officers completed the 32-week long academy led by Sgt. Steven Bantle. During a ceremony Tuesday night, Bantle ticked off a list of just some of the things cadets endured during that period: 1,200 hours of training, 120 hours of physical training, 5,000 sit-ups, 4,000 push-ups and 26 injuries that required medical attention.

"You should be proud," said Bantle.

Chief Janee Harteau noted that 29 people started the academy in March and 25 finished. Of those who made it, six are women. Seven are fluent in languages other than English. One of the new officers holds a Ph.D. Four have master's degrees.

Just one week before a hotly contested presidential election, Harteau told the new officers they are entering their field during divisive times.

"Policing has always been a critical need and a constant line that holds anarchy at bay," Harteau said. "There's also never been a more important opportunity for a profession to evolve and serve under the expectations of a 21st century society."

The addition of the new officers brings the size of the force to 845. Thirty more new officers are expected to join them by the end of the year.