AUSTIN — Five Austin police cadets had to receive medical treatment on Monday evening -- the first day of the academy.
In order to determine who is suited for the nine-month program at the academy, instructors put the cadets through rigorous physical activity early on. The first day is described to be one of the most challenging days in the academy.
In May, KVUE reported that a group of former cadets said they had concerns with the academy's culture. The cadets said they think the academy focused too much on what police experts consider a warrior-style of training.
During his first week as chief, Brian Manley said he wanted to shift the focus to make sure instructors were teaching officers how to be guardians to keep our community safe while also still being trained to handle force against them.
One cadet remained in the hospital Monday, but that person’s condition was not immediately released.
According to Austin police, the cadets became ill during a physical fitness exam. The other cadets were treated and released.
We hope to learn more about what led them to become ill soon.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.