More Killeen police officers are hitting the streets after graduating from the Killeen Police Department academy recently.

KPD held a ceremony that graduated 19 cadets and one fire marshal last week.

The event took place Friday at The Potter’s House Church. The 19 cadets began training on Jan. 13 of this year and started field training on Monday.

There are also 19 additional cadets who will graduate on Dec. 12.

Assistant Chief Alex Gearhart said Wednesday that KPD has 261 officers on staff and that there are four vacancies.

“Effective October 1, 2025, the FY 26 budget authorizes five additional positions,” he said in an email. “We are conducting applicant background investigations for a new Academy Class scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026.”

Those positions, which were part of the

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