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Oklahoma Highway Patrol recruits start 20-week academy

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol academy that started March 30, 2012, is the first trooper academy since 2009 because of state budget constraints. A decrease of nearly 60 troopers, coupled with the imminent retirement of 200 more, make this academy a high priority, officials said.

By Adam Kemp | Published: April 8, 2012

Forty cadets reported March 30 to the 60th Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy. Those who make it through the 20-week boot camp-like training will graduate Aug. 17.

photo - Forty cadets and their family members line up March 30 for the first day of the 60th Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy. Photo by David McDaniel, The Oklahoman

Forty cadets and their family members line up March 30 for the first day of the 60th Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy. Photo by David McDaniel, The Oklahoman

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Our manpower is down throughout the state, and we've been needing to have a class for a while.”

Capt. Gary

Vinson

“We need all of them that we can get,” patrol Capt. Gary Vinson said. “Hopefully, they will all make it through and they have the mental mindset to get through this.”

Vinson, the academy commander, said most classes experience a 20 percent washout of cadets because of the intense training and the absence of their family members during the process.

This is the first trooper academy since 2009 because of state budget constraints. A decrease of nearly 60 troopers, coupled with the imminent retirement of 200 more, make this academy a high priority.

“Gov. Mary Fallin made the statement in her State of the State address that our highway patrol numbers are not where they need to be,” Vinson said. “Our manpower is down throughout the state, and we've been needing to have a class for a while.”

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