TOLEDO, OHIO (WTOL) – The Toledo Police Department is preparing to add new officers to the force. According to Police Chief Derrick Diggs, the department's manpower level is "beyond critical" and Friday they will add six officers through an accelerated academy program.
Normally the police academy is a six-month program, but these new officers were selected to complete a six-week training course based on previous experience. The accelerated program focuses on department policies and procedures which could be different in various communities.
Friday's ceremony is going to be short and informal. The new officers will be presented with their badge and they will start work on Monday to begin a four-month field training program.
"They have a greater learning curve to learn, but the reason we do this [is] because we're so desperate for manpower that we need to get these officers out on the street. So these are individuals with previous law enforcement experience, certified law enforcement officers, that we're getting out quickly," said Diggs.
The Toledo Police Department is getting ready to start a traditional academy class on Nov. 15 with 44 cadets. Chief Diggs says while he is hoping to start yet another academy next year, that is going to depend on whether or not the city can afford it.
