Norman police graduated 15 new officers today, but that number would be have been three-- if voters hadn't passed a special sales tax back in 2008.

But Norman is in a unique position--- not having to scrape for funding for the new officers, a position Mayor Cindy Rosenthal says is important for the city of Norman.

But one of the casualties of the economy, fewer dollars and more applicants.

In Moore, a police recruiter says they have about 265 applicants for police there, there are only about seven open spots, 1 in about 38 applicants will be hired.

And the Oklahoma Highway Patrol has cancelled their academy altogether. According to a letter sent to applicants, due to a lack of funding.

Mayor Rosenthal says the citizens of Norman set out to avoid that problem-- and is succeeding.

"It definitely is targeted to accomplish something our community wants and that's a good thing," Rosenthal said.

For the new officers, most say they don't really care where the funding came from, they're just eager to hit the streets.

"I think it's very important to get out there and get involved with the community knowing people, getting them to know, helping each other out, I think it's a very important part of this job," said new officer Holly Panak.

"It does come at a good time," Rosenthal said. "It allows us to put more people on the streets and help protect our community."

It's graduation day in Norman.