Tulsa Police Captain Reassigned After Refusing Order Files Lawsuit

Lori Fullbright, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A Tulsa police captain who was transferred for refusing to follow an order by his supervisor has filed a lawsuit in federal court.

The lawsuit claims Deputy Chief Daryl Webster violated Captain Paul Fields' first amendment rights by ordering him to send officers to the Islamic society's Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on March 4, 2011.

In a memo, Fields said he believed the order was illegal and would not follow it.

Deputy Chief Webster responded by saying community outreach events are an important part of police work.

Fields was later reassigned from the Riverside Division to the Mingo Valley Division.

The lawsuit says hours after Fields was disciplined, Webster told officers he was no longer ordering them to attend and in hindsight, should have kept it voluntary.

Webster said Wednesday night it's too soon for him to comment on the lawsuit. Fields is asking for one dollar in damages.

2/22/2011 Related Story: Documents Detail Tulsa Police Captain's Discipline For Refusing Order