20 graduates completed a 25-week academy.
The Nevada State Police Academy held a ceremony for its 106th graduating class. The academy began back in October of 2025 and what started with twenty-three people eventually became a graduating class of twenty.
The selection process to even join is something officials describe as intense. Major James Simpson said "We had an event in Las Vegas back in November, and we had about 130 people show up. I think we got down to like, less than 10 people, so the selection process is really intense. It's a long process. It's not a job for anyone or everyone, but those who do it, it's a rewarding career and I am proud of every one of these people."
Once the application process is complete, a recruiter will reach out to begin testing. Applicants will go through a written test and a physical fitness test, and after passing those, they're asked to take a polygraph, psychological, and medical test.
Officials say they ask for the polygraph test to make sure those who want to join the field are honest and good people.
Major James Simpson said “You have to have integrity. You have to do the right thing, and a lot of it is bravery. And that's being brave in there or having courage to do the right thing. We're put in situations where a lot of people might run the other way, but we can't do that if somebody is being victimized, we have to protect that person to do our job, keep them safe."
Some in the graduating class say serving the community is something they want to be a part of, and joining the academy gave them purpose.
State Trooper Ryan Wagner said, "I did 24 years in the military, and I just recently retired about a month before I joined into the academy, and that was my need to serve the community and continue in being a uniform just felt part of who I was."
