New Fayetteville police officers graduate from academy

(From left) Douglas Lurten, Ian White, Chief Greg Tabor, Elisabeth Walter and Lonnie Gunter.

Photo: Fayetteville Police Department

Four new officers with the Fayetteville Police Department recently graduated from the Northwest Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, it was announced last week.

Officers Douglas Lurten, Ian White, Elisabeth Walter and Lonnie Gunter graduated from the academy, located in Elm Springs, on Friday, Oct. 12. The four began their career with the department in June and started at the academy in late July.

While at the academy, the officers received instruction and practical application in the areas of criminal investigation, collision investigation, firearms, non-deadly defensive tactics, officer safety techniques, traffic law, criminal law, civil liability and other legal aspects of law enforcement, first aid, crime prevention, crisis intervention, and cultural diversity.

The officers will receive an additional week of training on Radar and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing before beginning an 18-week Field Training Program, according to a news release.

Two of the officers received awards based on their academic and physical fitness performance while at the academy. Ian White placed third in academics and Lonnie Gunter placed third in physical fitness.