PCSD Announces Graduation of 44 People from Law Enforcement Basic Training Academy

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) says it is nearly at full strength after facing a worker shortage in recent years. Sheriff Chris Nanos said PCSD paid nearly $9 million in overtime in 2022 alone.

Today at Tucson Baptist Church, a graduation ceremony was held for 44 graduates, including 39 new deputies and five officers from other neighboring agencies.

Recruiters say the 24-1 class is one of the largest graduating classes in recent years.

Graduate Tiffany Aquino says her interest in crime scene investigation motivated her to join the team. She adds that the field of work is rewarding and recommends others to join her.

“If you like a career where you’re tested, where you’re challenged and you like to figure things out in a split second, absolutely,” Aquino said. “If you like that kind of atmosphere, absolutely.”

Aquino said his biggest challenge was during defensive tactics training at the academy.

“You do things a certain way your whole life and you have to relearn how to apply it,” Aquino said. “It’s hard to implement when you… it’s already like muscle memory for you. So you have to try to do it their way.”

Another graduate, Arthur O. Natividad, tells me that his mother’s career as a social worker inspired him to join the police force.

“Actually, it’s an important factor in my life, which is to serve the community,” said O. Natividad. “Taking care of people. And before that, I was working in the resorts. So, I was taking care of people, but this time, it’s really worth it.”

O. Natividad says he appreciates the discipline that comes with law enforcement.

“To enforce the law, you have to be willing to commit,” Natividad said. “Studying law and being able to care for people and be compassionate. And also being able to ensure the safety of the officers.”

Next Monday, graduates will begin a three-week advanced basic training course, followed by additional training.