Dallas Police's Largest Class Of Recruits Starts At Academy

DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - The Dallas Police Department's largest class of recruits has started a 36 week course at the academy in South Dallas. A total of 82 cadets started Wednesday morning."Why Dallas? I wanted to work for the best department," says Broderick Scott, who lives in Wolf City, northwest of Commerce. "I honestly believe DPD will prepare us the best and give us the best training.""I researched other departments, but I did not apply anywhere else," says Kristina Ramos of Midlothian.Ramos says she left her job as a fourth grade teacher to start at the police academy."It's something I've always wanted to do," she says. "I've always seen cops out making a difference, and something deep down, I just really want to be out here doing this."Dallas police say about a thousand people applied. The 82 cadets passed background checks, psychological and physical testing."We want someone who is actually going to view policework as teamwork," says Maj. Irene Alanis, who oversees personnel and support. "It's something that cannot be done without the citizens of Dallas."Alanis says increased pay likely contributed to more people applying, but Dallas police have also launched a nationwide recruitment effort."There is also a different narrative that is out there," she says. "I think we are looking and recruiting differently. What we're looking for is individuals who are interested in coming in and actually making a difference in the community."