Three Forsyth County Sheriff's Deputies were among 28 recent graduates of the Basic Law Enforcement Training Course, Sheriff Ted Paxton has announced.

Deputies Kevin Mitchell, Matthew Mahathey and Joshua Bell graduated from the 202nd Class at the Northeast Georgia Police Academy in ceremonies held Friday, December 9.

The Basic Law Enforcement Training Course consists of 400 hours of classroom and practical training as required by the Georgia Peace officers Standards and Training Council. Each new law enforcement officer in Georgia must complete this course prior to becoming a Certified Peace Officer.

The course provides instruction in the areas of Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Community Relations, Modern Police Procedures, Firearms, Emergency Vehicle Operations and First Aid Training.

The Northeast Georgia Police Academy was one of the first regional police academies in the state and held its first Mandate training class in 1971. The Academy serves 24 counties in the Northeast Georgia area.

Following graduation, the deputies have been assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division where they will undergo an intensive 12-week Field Training Program. Once that training is successfully completed, the new deputies will be prepared to assume regular patrol duties.