DPD welcomes largest academy class in its history

This is a big deal for the long-suffering Dallas Police Department. More than 80 recruits start their police academy training today.

DALLAS - The long-suffering Dallas Police Department welcomed the largest academy class in its history Wednesday.

There has been a lot of pressure on the department to replenish its shrinking ranks.

A study released last month outlined a staffing shortage. The president of the Dallas Police Association estimated the department of 3,300 officers needs as many as 800 additional officers to make up that deficit.

DPD’s personal division is taking credit for recruiting a class of 82 potential new officers. It’s the largest police academy class in the department’s history.

On Wednesday, the recruits started their morning by saluting the flag and doing pushups. They were welcomed by DPD’s command staff and then briefed on what they will need to do over the next nine months training to be an officer on the street.

"It's always been a dream of mine to be a member of DPD. When you think about training, you want to be with the best and I consider DPD to be the best at this," said Broderick Scott from Wolfe City.

Another new recruit from Midlothian said she used to be a math and science teacher. She was excited to see a large number of female recruits.

DPD is clearly excited about the recruits beginning their journey to become officers.