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Orlando Police welcomes first recruiting class of 2021

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Police Department swore in its first new recruiting class of 2021 Thursday.

At a ceremony at OPD headquarters, the new officers took their oaths to become the city’s newest officers.

The department says out of the thousands of candidates, only 16 met the qualification requirements to become officers.

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Chief of Police Orlando Rolón said he was looking forward to this newest group of officers.

“I am proud of the work the Orlando Police Department does to attract the best of the best to work for this great agency,” Rolón said.

Rolón also noted that the diverse backgrounds of the new class better reflects the communities they serve.

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In the current class,18% of the recruits are African American, 18% are female, and 25% are Hispanic.

After being sworn in the new officers will meet with residents, business owners and other community leaders to help build relationships.

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To learn more about becoming an Orlando police officer click here.

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Matt Reeser

Matt Reeser, WFTV.com

Matt Reeser joined WFTV in 1998 as a news photographer and has worked for television stations in Kentucky and West Virginia.