Mayor Dewey Bartlett Jr. and Police Chief Chuck Jordan announced the Tulsa Police Department will be accepting the 2010 Cops grant, which is approximately $4.4 million for three years, funding 23 officer positions.

The next step is to submit a budget amendment to the City Council for approval.

Bartlett also said a police academy of 30 officers will take place in January. Twenty-three will be paid from the grant, and seven will be paid from the TPD budget. The police academy will cost approximately $95,000, including all equipment, uniforms and training overtime for officers leading the academy. Firearms, ammunition and patrol vehicles are currently available and will not be part of any costs.

“After looking at our financial position in the police department, seven additional officers will be part of the academy in January,” Bartlett said. “Chief Jordan is managing the expenses and keeping overtime costs down. We are maintaining our service levels in the department and look forward to bringing in a new academy at the first of the year.”

Then, following the field training in the summer, the 30 will be assigned to beat patrol in late September or early October.

The Cops grant requires a commitment by the City of Tulsa to pay for 23 officers’ salaries in the fourth year of the grant. The costs are expected to be covered in the fourth year from attrition and by continuing to manage expenses in the police budget.

The last police academy held by the TPD was in January 2009.