By: Jennifer Pierce
OKLAHOMA CITY -
A number of metro police agencies are looking for recruits but report having a tough time finding qualified applicants.
As some police agencies face defunding or cutbacks, the Oklahoma City Police Department has one of the largest budgets in history, and with that, comes new challenges.
The department introduced its 143rd academy Friday. The 25 recruits will face 28 weeks of training before they train in the field.
“That’s going to include mental health training, de-escalation, control and defense tactics,” Oklahoma City Police Department Sgt. Megan Morgan said. “It’s going to include training in driving and firearms.”