Edinburg Police Department launches new police academy

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edinburg Police Department recently celebrated the launch of its newly accredited police academy.

The city welcomed its first class of eight cadets, marking a new era of law enforcement training in Edinburg.

The ceremony took place at the LCPL Derek Hernandez Police Training Facility. Members of the Hernandez family were in attendance to honor the legacy of their loved one.

"The opportunity to have our own training facility allows us to be able to train our officers," said Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala.

The Edinburg Police Department recently received a license to run the police academy, which will offer classes in community engagement and policing techniques.

Cadets will train at the new facility along with certified instructors.