Right to left, Chief Robert Johson swears in Police Records Technician Yareli Alvarado, Community Services Officer Claudia Maciel, and Officer Gavin Brown at the July 2 council meeting.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

Three new members of the Dixon Police Department affirmed the above and more on July 2, when they officially joined the force after being sworn in by Chief Robert Thompson.

Police Officer Gavin Brown, Community Services Officer Claudia Maciel and Police Records Technician Yareli Alvarado also swore that they bear true faith and allegiance to state and federal governments and "take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion."

The swearing-in of Community Services Officer Claudia Maciel was a personal moment as she was pinned with her new badge by a family member on July 2. 

"I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter," the recruits said in unison, closing the oath.

"As I have had the opportunity to do so many times, I bring you new personnel to our police department," Chief Thompson said. "It is always exciting, especially as trying as police staffing can be."

Thompson's words are evident in the numerous media reports on the Golden State's police officer shortage. CalMatters, a nonprofit policy and political news media outlet, reports that low pay and a higher bar are two reasons. 

One elevated bar on the rung requires officers to be at least 21 years old to serve. The recently-passed law also mandates any California police officer support their title with a degree. CalMatters reports a "'modern policing' degree program by 2025, laying the groundwork for a statewide officer education minimum."

Smiling wide, Thompson said how exciting it was "to see the beginning of a new career and to feel the energy and enthusiasm" in the police department. However, enthusiasm does not prevail statewide, with CalMatters reporting declining police certifications.

"Since 2012, the Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training, or POST, has certified on average about 3,200 officers each year," according to CalMatters, noting the two-year process includes field training and a probationary period. 

"In 2022, however, the agency issued just 2,424 basic certificates as of Dec. 13, the lowest number of basic certificates issued since 2013, and well below the 10-year high of 4,530 issued in 2020," CalMatters reports.

Based on the noted numbers, adding Officer Brown to the force is exceptional, especially since he is "continuing the tradition of academy recruits we send through the police academy," Thompson said.

"I had the privilege of attending his graduation a couple of weeks back and it is always very rejuvenating to see people enter this profession anew and not burdened by all the things that come later," he said.

After asking permission from the council to swear in the three new personnel together, loud applause arose after they lowered their raised right hands and council members welcomed them to the government family.

"I love it," Vice-Mayor Kevin Johnson said.