Why not make the academy 1 year? Why not 2 years? Is the department with the longest academy the best, or are training staffs being allowed to run wild because their Department lawyers think it might help them in a lawsuit? If a department is hundreds of people short, then it should be doing what's necessary to fill those positions and ensure the safety of the community. The Merit board red tape, lack of funds for new officers, and excessive classroom academy training are putting people in danger.