Officer Shortage Could Force Oklahoma Agency to End SRO Program

Muskogee, Oklahoma’s Police Chief is looking to pull the school resource officers from Hilldale Schools because of a staffing shortage, but the school district is advocating to keep the partnership.

“Right now, officers are worked non-stop,” said Chief Johnny Teehee. “They don’t have the ability to take days off because they’re just so short.”

Teehee said the department is down 25% of its officers, and bringing back the two SROs from Hilldale will make a big difference, KJRH reports.

Muskogee Police have two recruiting classes a year and only get 1-2 officers for each. Plus, agencies across the state are all pulling for the same limited qualified candidates, making hiring even tougher.

“When you do get them and get those trained up there’s agencies ready to pluck those away from you for a lot higher pay,” said Chief Teehee.

Muskogee City Council will decide on the contract with Hilldale at their meeting on April 28. Parents say they’ll be there to advocate for the program to continue.