Tulsa Police's Union Voting On New Contract For The Next Fiscal Year

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa Fraternal Order of Police members are voting on a new contract Thursday that will allow the city of Tulsa to rehire officers who had been laid off back in January. 

FOP leaders tell the News On 6 they expect the contract to be approved.  The officers will be voting Thursday and Friday. 

Under the new contract, officers will be allowed to stockpile less comp time, just 170 hours instead of the previous 240.  Also, they've limited when they can take comp time, so they don't have to pay extra officers overtime to fill the gaps.  And officers who live outside the city limits will still be banned from driving their squad cars home.

Laid-off officers who've been working in the reserves are thrilled about the idea of getting back on the force.

"Tulsa is my home, this is where I chose to work, so I'm grateful to have the opportunity to come back to work," said officer Brent Barnhart. 

If the contract is approved, it will take effect July 1.

6/15/2010 Related story: Tulsa Mayor Says Laid Off Police Officers To Be Rehired Next Month