‘ New in Blue’ at MPD

‘ New in Blue’ at MPD

Pair of Marion Police Officers graduate from Camden Academy

ralphhardin@gmail.com

[ Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the Aug. 17, 2016 edition of the Times]

Two of the 99 officers from the recent graduating class from the Law Enforcement Training Academy in Camden were from the Marion Police Department.

Officers Devon Mayfield and David Houghtlen have completed the rigorous 13week Basic Police Training Course, which includes a total of 524 hours of course work and special instruction in standard police tactics, firearms, police law, educational lessons, technical skills and practical exercises related to police work.

A special graduation ceremony was held on July 29, at the Academy. Both Mayfield, a Marion native, and Houghtlen, originally from Beebe, completed the training regimen, which began on May 1. The curriculum emphasizes achieving excellence in academic subjects and firearm training.

Graduates must maintain an academic score of 70 percent on exams and 80 percent proficiency during firearms training.

The MPD’s newest officers are on the job now, working solo and in partnership with veteran officers. “I’m very proud of both of them,” said Marion Police Chief Gary Kelley.

“They performed very well at the Academy. We’re glad to have them on the force — very glad to have them.”

Kelley said the ranks of the Marion Police Department will continue to grow, with a new crop of recruits set to go to the Academy very soon.

By Ralph Hardin