Moore Police Department holds first Police Academy

MOORE, Okla. (KFOR) - The Moore Police Department just became an accredited police training city. Instead of hiring once or twice annually, this means they can now hold several academies a year.

"Absolutely more efficient and a higher level of training and more consistent training," said Police Chief Todd Gibson.

The Moore Police Department is in week two of their first academy program. Before the department was accredited, they had to send new recruits away for training.

"Sent officers down to CLEET, to Ada, and then we've also partnered with other programs for training our police officers," said Chief Gibson.

Now, five cadets are spending the 24-26 week program at the Moore poice Advancement Center, near Northwest 12th and Janeway. They're learning the law and legal system, social and community skills, along with combat focused on Ju Jujutsu. The chief said that's because fights on the job often end up on the ground.

"Well, Jujutsu is about fighting on the ground," said Chief Gibson.

Cadet Carlo Prater is a former professional martial arts fighter. He was inspired on the mat.

"I began training a lot of officers. I just liked the way that they carried themselves," said Prater. "I had it on my heart to become a law enforcement officer here in Oklahoma, specifically."

In the mat room, they have everything needed for training, even a virtual reality set.

"We can have you deploy your taser, virtual reality wise," said Gibson.

Another room has scenario-based training.

"We can set this up however we want, these walls are module and moveable," said Gibson.

Inside, they use airsoft guns, which are similar to their handguns, but safer.

"If I shoot you with this, your reaction is going to let me know if I'm hitting shots on target," said Gibson.

While recruits at all departments learn the basics, what differs are the principles.

"What this allows us to do is take cadets and socialize them from day one into our culture," said Gibson.

Gibson said that's important, because in this career, there's no "easing into it."

"As soon as they hit the street. They're doing profound things and a lot is expected of them," said Gibson.