This Monday morning, the Capitol Theater hosted the official swearing-in ceremony of thirteen new officers who will join the Cieza Local Police force after completing the training and internship period they began in 2021.
Of the sixteen officers who began their internship, only 14 are joining the municipal force: the 13 who pledged their position today, and one woman who will be sworn in soon but was unable to attend the event for personal reasons. Two of the total who began their training in Cieza have requested transfers to other towns for various reasons during their internship.
The new additions, twelve men and one woman, address the shortage of personnel that the Local Police have been experiencing for several years following the retirement without replacement of several officers.
The addition of these personnel does not end with these admissions, as the incorporation of new officers in the future has already been approved by the plenary session.
Today's ceremony was presided over by Mayor Pascual Lucas, accompanied by Councilor for Personnel María Jesús López. Meanwhile, Chief Inspector of the Local Police, María José Hernández, awarded the shoulder boards and presented the plaques to the new officers, who were supported by the attendance at the Capitol by family and friends.
The new officers completed a training period through a course held in the city of Cieza, which also welcomed applicants from other municipalities. Following this period, they completed several months of internships. With these additions, the force now has a total of 50 members: one chief inspector, four deputy inspectors, and 45 officers.
Pascual Lucas reiterated that "it concludes a long process, as the selection process is quite complex, and successfully culminates the path we began since we came to power, with the sole intention of strengthening a workforce that was severely depleted. This addition strengthens the workforce and fills all the currently available positions, increasing police presence and ensuring the provision of services in our municipality."
For her part, María Jesús López welcomed the new police officers, expressing her "congratulations because you have achieved an important professional goal and you have done so to serve and ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Cieza. I wish you all the luck in the world."