Okla. Officers Work as Subs as Schools Face Teacher Shortage

An Oklahoma police department is helping its city's teacher shortage by having officers work as substitutes.

"This week, several on-duty officers are serving in the classroom as schools continue to face teacher and staff shortages. … We are thankful to be able to assist our community during these difficult times," the Moore Police Department stated on an online update that was posted Tuesday.

Decked out in their uniforms, the officers are only substituting at elementary schools, such as Apple Creek Elementary, KOCO-TV reports. The department said that the unusual deployment isn't affecting the agency when it comes to responding to other calls in the community.

"We are in the public service business and we saw an opportunity to serve the public," Lt. Kyle Johnson told KOCO.

"Most of the officers are actually loving it," he added.

Some residents have criticized the move because the on-duty officers are in uniform and carrying their weapons. Others have been upset after seeing photos of the officers not wearing masks in the classroom setting.

"Officers are adhering to all current school policies," Johnson said. "Every officer that reports for duty does full temp checks. We don't allow officers to come to work that are sick or displaying symptoms. We take necessary protocols for people that have had exposures."

It's unclear how long Moore police officers will be serving as substitute teachers.