OCPD Hosts Recruiting Event To Fill Positions, Diversify Work Force

The Oklahoma City Police Department needs more officers and they are offering a big incentive to recruit.

Leaders with the department say they are looking to diversify, and they are offering a $5,500 dollar signing bonus to get more people to consider.

Today they hosted a recruiting event and had around 30 to 40 candidates attend.

During the event, they hosted a presentation, some scenarios, and an obstacle course.

Sgt. Anthony Anderson is the Recruiting Sergeant for the department, and he says they are looking to fill around 150 to 200 positions.

He says the need for officers right now isn't quite at the critical level, but they need to make sure they are fully staffed to support the needs of the city.

The nation and the city have been evolving in the wake of a major social justice movement and concerns over police brutality.

Anderson says the department is working to be more representative of the city. 

"Oklahoma City is a very diverse city and we want our department to reflect the city we want more females, we want more African Americans, Hispanics, we have the Asian district, there is a little bit of everything here and we want our department to reflect that," said Anderson.

Coming up tonight at 10, hear more from Sergeant Anderson and his journey to becoming an OKC Police officer.

To learn more about joining OKCPD visit: https://joinokcpd.com/