Oklahoma Highway Patrol to have first academy in three years

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- For the first time since 2003 the state Department of Public Safety is holding an Oklahoma Highway Patrol academy for new troopers.<br/><br/>The Legislature didn't provide funding

Monday, August 1st 2005, 8:36 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- For the first time since 2003 the state Department of Public Safety is holding an Oklahoma Highway Patrol academy for new troopers.

The Legislature didn't provide funding for acadamies in 2003 and last year because of a budget shortfall.

Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Ward says the academy will help alleviate a shortage of troopers.

65 prospective troopers were accepted from about 800 people who applied for the academy which begins August 31st and runs for 20 weeks.

Ward says the OHP is 93 trooper short of its authorized strength of 914 and another 60 troopers are expected to retire next year.