there's an us and a them. >> police departments across the united states are now struggling, though to find new recruits who want to take that job. cnn's kyung lah has more. >> reporter: the los angeles police academy where the next generation of cops learn how and when to fire. high-speed pursuit tactics and takedown moves on armed suspects. >> put your hands up. >> a tough job. yet this recruit officer longs to wear the badge even if others around her don't support her career choice. >> i think that it's not as easy for our family members or our friends to actually accept the profession that we're going into just because of the perception that african-americans have towards law enforcement. >> reporter: a perception by officer involved shootings from