Mayor Announces Two Job Options For Laid-Off Tulsa Police Officers

The three remaining police officers that the City of Tulsa was forced to lay off last week have two options for employment, the Mayor's office announced Thursday. 

Mayor Kathy Taylor received notice from Dr. Keith Ballard, Superintendent for Tulsa Public Schools, that TPS would agree to employ the three officers for 22 weeks or until the City was in a financial position to rehire them.

The TPS positions do not include benefits such as health insurance, however.

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In addition, there are two open positions within the city as airport officers, immediately available.  According to the news release from the mayor's office, probationary employees do not have recall status and therefore accepting these positions would not prevent them from being rehired as police officers. 

"In all of my years of experience, this budget has been the most difficult to work through," said Chief of Police Ron Palmer.  "We are making difficult decisions because it is necessary."

The release says Chief Palmer has informed all three officers of these employment options. 

"I'm pleased that the City of Tulsa could form this partnership with Tulsa Public Schools to ensure these officers continue to receive a paycheck," said Mayor Kathy Taylor.

"These are two good employment options for these young officers.  Ultimately it will be their choice to accept or reject these jobs," Mayor Taylor said.  "It is my hope that they will accept one of these positions until the City and TPD are financially able to rehire them."    

"If the officers choose to accept employment as an Airport Officer they will become part of the health insurance plan of the City," Mayor Taylor said. 

 "If they reject these offers of employment the Police Trust will have to make any decision relating to the ongoing health care coverage of the officer and/or his family."