Broken Arrow Police Department Adding Officers, New Equipment

Dan Bewley, News On 6

BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma -- There's good news for Broken Arrow's economy. The Broken Arrow Police Department is getting more money this year, and that means more jobs and equipment.

BAPD's budget for next fiscal year is up by $100,000. It may seem like a little but that means this police academy will soon be busy training up to ten new officers and the department will be up to its authorized staffing levels.

Major Mark Irwin said having more officers means the department will be able to spend more time with residents.

"Getting more involved in community partnerships and that sort of thing, getting our staff levels up to where officers can attend neighborhood watch meetings and things like that," he said.

Besides the new police officers, next year's budget will buy 15 new radar guns, and 16 new automatic defibrillators.

In addition, the police department is waiting for the arrival of its 20 new police cruisers, and as part of an ongoing renovation project, each cruiser is getting a makeover, so it's out with the blue and gold and in with the black and white, a more traditional look.

The color change was brought on because many of the cars needed to be repainted and Major Irwin says it was more economical to switch to a different look.He also says the budget increase has risen spirits on the force.

"I think it's permeated through the police department," Major Irwin said. "Everybody's pretty excited about it, especially getting the new officers on. The academy will start in September and they'll be on the streets within about nine months."