Local Police Department welcomes new recruits following staffing shortages

The City of Enid is witnessing a significant turnaround in its police force, as discussions during the recent budget meeting highlighted a surge in new recruits. This positive trend comes after a challenging period marked by staffing shortages, where the department was down by as many as 27 officers—about a quarter of its total force.

The police chief noted that the aftermath of the "defund the police" movement had a lasting impact, but the tide is now shifting. "We're getting more and more recruits that have decided to get back into law enforcement," he stated, emphasizing the importance of this influx for the community's safety and the well-being of existing officers.

With the addition of new personnel, the department aims to alleviate the strain on current officers who have been working extensive overtime and missing vacations. This development is expected to provide much-needed relief for veteran officers while enhancing public safety across Enid.

As the city moves forward, the focus will remain on maintaining this momentum in recruitment, ensuring that the police force is adequately staffed to serve and protect the community effectively.