ROCHESTER, Minn.- The Rochester Police Department says after several years of being understaffed it is finally back to full capacity after swearing in its latest batch of recruits on Thursday, Oct. 9.

11 new officers were sworn in at a ceremony at the Rochester Arts Center.

Chief Jim Franklin says 3 were lateral hires and 8 of those officers came fresh from college, 5 of those students came for peace officers feeder programs his department has been supporting to help mentor the next generation of law enforcement.

These have included college cadet programs, the Minnesota Law Enforcement Explorer program and students who have chosen to get experience as Community Service Officers.

He says recruiting new talent into police forces has been problem across the state for last few years, but i

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