129th Class Of Police Cadets Begins OKCPD Police Academy

Forty-seven new would-be police officers started their training at police academy Thursday in the hopes of joining the ranks of Oklahoma City's finest.

Oklahoma City needs more men and women out on the streets helping to serve and protect. Superior officers hope the 129^th class of OKCPD cadets have what it takes to make it through the first day.

The new class of cadets didn't have an easy first day. And veteran officers wouldn't have it any other way. They say it's very serious business becoming a police officer, and so it should be right from the start.

"Do you own a nose [hair] trimmer?" said one officer, eyeballing a new cadet. "Let's use that and a lint brush."

First day inspections are brutal. Three veteran officers walk up and down inspecting each and every cadet, because first impressions are important when you're an Oklahoma City police officer.

The 47 brand new cadets are learning quickly that their first impressions with their trainers aren't good enough; but right now they all believe they have what it takes to serve in Oklahoma City.

"They are terrified," Oklahoma Police Lt. Silvio Kimmel said with a tiny grin.

Looking back, Kimmel remembers being terrified his first day, too. About 22 years ago, he was treated just the same as a young cadet determined to become a police officer. Now with each new class, veteran officers say this first day is actually the best day.

"They have no idea what's about to happen," Kimmel said.

Veteran officers know it doesn't get easier or glamorous, so this is just the beginning.

"Stressful and intense," Kimmel said. "We do have a 20 percent turnover rate and well, the job is not for everyone."

After 28 long weeks of training, Kimmel hopes they all make it.

"We are lacking officers. We need more officers on the street," he said.

And his team has to have the best of the best.

The cadets have hit the books, as well as the gym to learn all of the tools of the trade, in addition to 28 weeks of extensive combat-training. After graduation, the cadets have to go through four to five months of patrols and shadowing with veterans before they are assigned to big cases or crimes.

This year's class has a record number of women wanting to become officers.