The King City Police Department is working to rebuild its force after embarrassing charges of corruption came to light this past February.
A total of six current and former officers--including the acting police chief at the time--were arrested for potential involvement in what prosecutors describe as a towing scheme targeting poor Latinos.
It's in this climate that the department is working to heal its relationship with the community, in part by adding new officers to the force.
Santa Maria native Steve Orozco is part of that plan. He graduated from the police academy at Allan Hancock College and is one of two officers who started witih the King City Police Department last month.
"Everybody in the department is always willing to help you out if you have questions," said Orozco. "Everybody's just here, like an open book, and there always there to help you out even though you're a new hire."
Orozco says the first few weeks are always stressful, but his new coworkers have helped him adjust.
Two more officers will be hired in the coming weeks bringing the department closer to normal operating levels.
Court proceedings will resume later this month for the officers charged in the corruption case.
