Arkansas – The Arkansas Division on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (ADLEST) recognized 65 cadets during the graduation ceremony for Basic Police Training Class 2026-B at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) in East Camden.
The graduating class represented 45 law enforcement agencies from across Arkansas and successfully completed the state’s basic law enforcement training requirements, qualifying them to begin serving their communities as sworn officers.
During the academy, recruits received extensive instruction in constitutional law, officer safety, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, crisis response, ethics, report writing, community policing, and scenario-based training designed to prepare them for real-world policing.
“Graduation is more than completing a course, it’s earning the trust that comes with serving the people of Arkansas,” said Jonathan Chambers, Training Supervisor for East Camden ALETA. “Class 2026-B has shown determination, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. We are proud of what they have accomplished and look forward to the impact they will have in communities across our state.”
Several cadets received special recognition for outstanding performance during the academy.
Jeffrey Whitney of the Arkansas Highway Police earned the top academic award, while Angel Paredes of the Van Buren Police Department finished first in physical fitness.
Michael Foote of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office received the highest firearms score, and Reece Martin of the Hot Springs Police Department earned first place in the Emergency Vehicle Obstacle Course (EVOC).
The Servant Leadership Award was presented to Lindsey Stasiuk of the Russellville Police Department.
Foote also served as Class Leader, while Whitney was recognized as Assistant Class Leader.
The graduates will now return to departments across Arkansas, including municipal police departments, county sheriff’s offices, university police agencies, and state law enforcement organizations, where they will begin their law enforcement careers after completing field training requirements established by their respective agencies.
ADLEST said the graduation marks the successful completion of weeks of rigorous classroom instruction and practical exercises intended to prepare recruits for the responsibilities of serving and protecting communities throughout the state.