OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - A new approach to recruitment is sparking an increase in applications at Omaha Police. The new strategy is helping to close a long-time shortage of about 100 sworn officers.

“Out of college, I did education and policing and I just decided at that time I wanted to teach and coach some sports and do that for a while and I did,” said new OPD recruit Otis Seals. “I just decided that it was time to do this while I still had the physical ability.”

Otis Seals is one of several new recruits at OPD. He is making a career change after more than a decade of teaching.

“12 years as a teacher and professional and then you are kind of back to square one at a new career, so that has been different,” explained Seals. “It has been challenging for me in a good way, it’s challenged m

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